Arsenal 'enter talks' over Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo as deadline day deal eyed

Arsenal have contacted the representatives of Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo as they look to complete a surprise deadline day deal, according to reports.

The Gunners had expressed interest in Cancelo earlier in the window, but there has been little progress up to this stage.

It had been anticipated that the Portugal international would join Barcelona, and reports claimed he was willing to take a pay cut in order to move to Camp Nou.

That deal, however, is yet to go through, with Cancelo remaining a City player for now.

But there has now reportedly been a twist - with Arsenal reigniting their interest in the defender late on.

Arsenal 'enter talks' over Joao Cancelo deal

According to journalist Hrach Khachatryan, the Gunners have contacted Cancelo's representatives as they look to strike a deadline day deal.

Khachatryan claims that Arsenal want to complete a loan move for the 29-year-old, who is valued at €50 million by Transfermarkt.

🚨Arsenal are in contact with Joao Cancelo representatives. They are exploring option to loan him until the end of this season.#AFC #TransferDeadlineDay

— Hrach Khachatryan (@hrachoff) September 1, 2023

Mikel Arteta's side are looking for a replacement for Jurrien Timber after the Dutchman suffered a serious knee injury during Arsenal's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Timber started at left-back during that game, but is also capable of playing at centre-back and right-back. Cancelo covers two bases in that sense, having played in both full-back positions under Pep Guardiola.

But he was allowed to leave City in January to join Bayern Munich on loan, and has not been named in the matchday squad in any of his side's first five competitive fixtures this season.

More to follow.

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