Barcelona are reportedly interested in bringing Manchester City's Joao Cancelo back to the club next season on a loan deal.
The 29-year-old is currently heading towards the conclusion of a temporary spell at Barca from the treble-winning Citizens for the 2023-24 campaign.
Cancelo has cemented himself as a key player in Xavi's backline this term, providing five goal contributions in 28 La Liga appearances for the Spanish giants.
The efforts of the Portuguese did not help the Catalans put up a significant fight to retain their La Liga crown, though, with Real Madrid currently 17 points ahead in first place.
He remains a key part of his national side's plans, with Cancelo set to join Cristiano Ronaldo and company at this summer's European Championships in Germany.
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Barcelona make decision on Man City's Cancelo?
According to Sport via Sport Witness, Barcelona have made a decision over the future of Man City's Cancelo at Camp Nou past the conclusion of the season.
The report claims that Xavi's side want to bring the full-back for the 2024-25 term, extending their association with the player into a second year.
However, it is understood that Barca are only willing to agree another loan agreement for Cancelo with Pep Guardiola's Man City during the upcoming trading point.
This is against the preference of the European champions, who wish to permanently part ways with the defender as the club continues to move in a different direction.
Adding further complexity to the situation, it is believed that Cancelo wants to play at Barcelona next season and would reject offers from elsewhere to remain in Spain.
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Arsenal 'to battle Barcelona for Cancelo?
It was reported last month that Arsenal were thought to be keen on a high-profile swoop for Man City's Cancelo ahead of the 2024-25.
Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta worked with the defender on the blue side of Manchester and is said to be a huge admirer of the 29-year-old.
Cancelo would not be the first Citizens man to transfer directly to the Emirates in recent years, with Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko making the switch during the summer of 2022.
Amid plenty of transfer speculation, the left-back will look to have all of his attention on Monday night, when Barcelona host Real Sociedad in La Liga.
Carter White
