Arsenal one of several clubs interested in Manchester City defender

Arsenal will be hoping to maintain pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City when they face Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. 

The Gunners currently sit a point behind the reigning champions, although Pep Guardiola’s side do also have a game in hand over their rivals.

Regardless, Mikel Arteta will be desperate to ensure that his side remain in the hunt for the title with victory over the Seagulls, although they would be relying on City to slip up at least twice if they are to have any chance of lifting the trophy.

It also appears that the north London outfit are already planning ahead for the upcoming summer transfer window.

Last summer they signed both Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City, and new reports suggest that they could look to sign a third player from their rivals this summer.

As per 90min, the Gunners are interested in signing City full-back Joao Cancelo when the transfer window opens.

The report claims that Arsenal are one of a number of clubs interested in signing the Portugal international, who is currently on loan at German side Bayern Munich.

Cancelo could make a shock move to Arsenal this summer

The reigning Bundesliga champions are also said to be interested in signing Cancelo permanently, while Spanish side Barcelona are another club said to be monitoring the player.

Cancelo, 28, joined City from Juventus in 2019 and has since made more than 150 appearances for the Citizens.

He had been a regular for Guardiola’s side ever since joining the club, but he was sent out on loan to Bavaria in January.

Initially, the Portugal international struggled to maintain a regular starting spot for Bayern, but his playing time has increased since Thomas Tuchel succeeded Julian Nagelsmann as Bayern manager.

It is also claimed that Cancelo is unlikely to be reintegrated into the City squad, and the Manchester side could therefore be forced to sell him this summer.

Cancelo’s current contract with Man City is set to run until 2027, but it appears increasingly likely that he will depart The Etihad prior to that date.

The right-back, who can also operate on the left of defence, worked with Arteta during the Spaniard’s time as part of Guardiola’s backroom staff at City, and it appears that he is keen for a reunion with the defender.