Arsenal have ‘meddled’ in key Man City transfer talks, club has ‘confirmed’ interest is there

Arsenal look set to raid Manchester City’s squad again, having already snapped up Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko last summer. Both have settled in well at the Emirates but the Gunners have another name on their shopping list as they look to bring in some final business before the transfer window slams shut next month.

Mikel Arteta had previously highlighted João Cancelo as a potential summer target but talks faded seemingly as they grew closer to signing Jurrien Timber instead. However, the 22-year-old suffered a knee injury during his first Premier League match for Arsenal and he has confirmed it is “more serious than expected.”

This could mean a pretty lengthy spell on the sidelines for Timber, which naturally is a huge blow considering he just arrived at his new club. In his absence, it seems the Gunners are already looking at buying someone else and their interest in Cancelo has been resurrected.

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Arsenal have ‘meddled’ in the current talks Man City are having with Barcelona over a potential transfer. Discussions between the two are said to be ‘well advanced’ as Barca have made Cancelo their priority target, but Arsenal are now back in the picture.

Arteta and his side have reportedly ‘confirmed’ to the defender that they want to bring him in but have asked him to wait while they make room by cashing in on some existing players. This could include Kieran Tierney, who is heavily linked to a an Emirates departure this summer.

Despite their interest, the Gunners have hit a snag and may find it difficult to strike a deal. As well as agreeing personal terms with Barcelona, Cancelo seems an unlikely deal as Fabrizio Romano has reported Man City ‘don’t want to sell another player’ to their new title rivals, which could be a blow in Arsenal’s pursuit. But of course, stranger things have happened this transfer window and as always, it’s not been short of its fair share of surprises so far.