Barcelona still want Joao Cancelo! Catalan giants preparing final attempt to sign Man City star - with Ivan Fresneda identified as backup target

Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2023 by Goal.com

Barcelona are preparing a final attempt to sign Manchester City's Joao Cancelo as they identify Ivan Fresneda as an alternative.

Barcelona's last attempt to sign Cancelo
Identify Fresneda as an alternative
Will use part of Dembele's money to sign Cancelo

WHAT HAPPENED? The Catalan giants who have been chasing Cancelo for a long time, will make a final attempt to sign him from Manchester City. But in case they fail to land the Portuguese star, they have identified Ivan Fresneda as an alternative full-back, according to Fabrizio Romano.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The reigning La Liga champions are set to sell Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain who activated the French star's €50 million (£43m/$54m) release clause on Tuesday. The club is planning to use a part of the Dembele money to sign Cancelo.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Signing the Portuguese international could prove to be a tough challenge for Barcelona as Pep Guardiola reportedly has included him in his plans for the upcoming season after his impressive performance in the pre-season friendlies.

WHAT NEXT? If Manchester City eventually retains Cancelo's services, Barcelona will shift their focus to another long-time target Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda.