Barcelona are set to submit a bid for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo, as they aim to progress on a deal in the coming days.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that the Blaugrana will make a loan offer with an option to buy for the 29-year-old, who looks set to depart the Etihad this summer after spending the second half of last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
Barcelona previously agreed personal terms with Cancelo, who is Xavi’s top target in this window, and the next few days will be important in this deal.
Despite the financial issues at the club this summer, the sale of Ousmane Dembele has boosted Barcelona’s budget, and they will now use part of this on a deal for the Portugal star.
“Understand Barcelona are set to submit formal bid for Joao Cancelo! Loan with option to buy clause, on the table with Man City,” Romano tweeted.
“Crucial days to make it happen after personal terms agreed. Barça will use part of Dembele money for Cancelo.”
Why do Barcelona want Cancelo?
Losing Dembele was a big blow for Xavi, but rather than signing a winger to replace him, he will aim to increase the overall output of the team with Cancelo as a full-back.
Cancelo can play comfortably on both sides, as well as further up the pitch, and is one of the best attacking fullbacks in Europe.
He was described as “world-class” in his loan spell at Bayern Munich, and it seems that Xavi wants him to play as an attacking right back to help link up with Raphinha upfront.
With Alejandro Balde another very attacking full-back option on the left, Xavi may now want both to operate as wingers going forward, with a four-man midfield helping with the defensive duties.
Cancelo will provide a lot of quality at right back, and is a massive upgrade on Barcelona’s current options.