Barcelona still see Man City full-back as top target despite Saudi Arabia rumours | OneFootball

Barcelona’s transfer window has been haphazard, to say the least, and the club are struggling financially beyond the picture that was initially painted.

It is thus no surprise that Barcelona have failed on most of their objectives for the summer, and the situation of Joao Cancelo is just one more such example of the club’s lacklustre window.

As revealed yesterday, the Portuguese defender is now closing on a deal with Saudi-based giants Al-Hilal and it now appears that quick developments have stirred up the Catalan offices.

Plan still on

In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo relays that Barcelona still prioritise Cancelo as the top target to reinforce the full-back position.

The Catalans are aware of the interest from Saudi Arabia but have not allowed it to perturb them on their objective.

Barcelona still want to sign Cancelo. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Joan Laporta and Co. believe that they can still sign Cancelo on loan this summer with a purchase clause that is not too high.

While the offer from the Middle East does tempt the Portuguese star, he sees it too early in his career to move to a lower league and is thus hoping to stay in Europe.

An offer from Barcelona, thus, interests him especially given the season he enjoyed at the club last season.

The two clubs have been in constant contact in recent weeks over the transfer of Ilkay Gundogan and it remains to be seen if the topic of the defender comes up in the coming days.

Moreover, news of the Blaugrana’s interest in Cancelo also raises questions about the club’s rumoured interest in Marc Pubill.

As revealed yesterday, the Almeria full-back is an option considered internally and could serve as a Plan B if Cancelo does not arrive.