Barca strike Man City deal to close on Cancelo
FT Desk
- 19 Aug 2023 19:55 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona are inching closer to the signing of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.
The Portugal full-back has been a long-time target at Camp Nou, and the subject of extended talks between the two clubs across the summer transfer window.
Declared surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium after a shift in Pep Guardiola's playing philosophy, Cancelo nevertheless remains one of the premier talents in his position and a significant upgrade for Barca out wide.
READ: Barcelona get €10m Dembele BONUS to bring Cancelo transfer closer
Now, according to Sport, they have received the green light to push forward with a deal.
The newspaper claims that a breakthrough in negotiations occurred on Friday, leading to a preliminary agreement being struck the following day.
Talks had previously stalled over a €30 million purchase option Barca had wanted installed in the loan accord, raising fears in Catalunya that Arsenal could take advantage of the impasse.
Cancelo on his way to Barca
But a compromise was reached, with City finally agreeing to an option higher than that originally offered and contingent on a number of conditions in order to become obligatory.
Cancelo will reportedly have to feature in no fewer than 70 per cent of his side's games and Barca reach the last 16 of the Champions League in order to trigger the option.
While the final details are still being hammered out, the Catalans hope to announce the full-back at the start of next week, making him their second signing from City this summer after Ilkay Gundogan.
