Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo has agreed personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a potential summer transfer.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that the 29-year-old is keen on a move to the Camp Nou, whilst Man City are also happy to let him leave.
The Portugal star spent the second half of last season on loan at Bayern Munich after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola and is now set on a permanent move away from the Etihad Stadium.
Cancelo is Barcelona’s main priority in the transfer window now, and the expected sale of Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain could help fund a move for the full-back, who Xavi wants as a priority.
Talks are now ongoing between Barcelona and City, but it is currently unclear what the finances of any deal could look like. However, the desire of all parties to get a deal done should swing in Barcelona’s favour.
Why does Xavi want Cancelo?
Losing Dembele is a big blow for a number of reasons, but primarily for the loss of his dribbling ability, and his skill when taking on opposition defenders.
Raphinha now looks set to be the main pick on the right-wing, but as an attacker who prefers to cut inside, having an overlapping fullback will go a long way to maintaining balance in attack without Dembele.
Cancelo ranks as one of the best fullbacks in the world when it comes to his ability on the ball, and his dribbling in particular. As an attack-minded option, he can play further forward with ease, and will offer additional support to Raphinha.
Xavi is seemingly not fond of his current right-back options in Sergi Roberto and Sergino Dest, and both Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo are more naturally suited to a central role.
Cancelo could arrive as a proven option and a massive upgrade on the current options in defence, whilst also solving the Dembele issue in attack. If a deal can be agreed, it may be the best possible signing Barcelona could make in their current situation.