Barcelona's summer transfer plans are taking shape as reports suggest they are set on securing the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City. The Portuguese full-back, who has impressed during his loan spell at Camp Nou, could become a crucial part of the Catalan's future under the management of Xavi.

Barcelona's Intentions and Negotiations

According to reports from SPORT, Barcelona has expressed their desire to sign Cancelo from Manchester City permanently. The 29-year-old was brought in on loan after falling out of favor with Pep Guardiola, leading to a frosty relationship between player and manager.

While the La Liga holders are eager to secure Cancelo's services beyond his loan spell, negotiations with Manchester City present a significant hurdle. The Premier League champions have set an asking price of €40 million (£34m/$43m) for the Portuguese international, a figure that Barcelona may struggle to meet. However, there is speculation that the Spanish giants may seek a compromise, potentially agreeing to a reduced fee or another loan deal with an obligation-to-buy clause.

Cancelo's Impact and Future at Barcelona

Joao Cancelo's desire to remain at Barcelona is evident, with the full-back expressing his eagerness to continue representing the Catalan giants. Under Xavi's guidance, Cancelo has flourished, showcasing his versatility and attacking prowess. His adaptation to the role of an inverted wing-back has been particularly noteworthy, with the Portuguese international contributing four goals to Barcelona's cause this season.

Cancelo's presence in the squad provides Barcelona with defensive stability and an offensive threat down the flanks. His ability to contribute defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset in Xavi's tactical setup. Furthermore, Cancelo's experience at the highest level of European football adds depth and quality to Barcelona's backline, further enhancing their competitiveness in domestic and continental competitions.

Negotiating the Future

As negotiations with Manchester City continue, Barcelona must weigh their options carefully to secure Cancelo's long-term future at the club. While the asking price may be steep, the potential benefits of acquiring Cancelo permanently are significant. His seamless integration into Xavi's system and his positive impact on the pitch make him a player worth investing in for Barcelona's continued success.

The upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain will allow Cancelo to showcase his talents on the European stage. As Barcelona aims to advance in the competition and compete for silverware, securing Cancelo's signature would strengthen their chances of achieving their objectives.

Barcelona's pursuit of Joao Cancelo represents their ambition to reinforce the squad and build for the future under Xavi's stewardship. While negotiations with Manchester City pose challenges, Barcelona's potential acquisition of Cancelo would be a statement of intent. With Cancelo's impact on the pitch and his desire to remain at Camp Nou, Barcelona has every reason to push for a deal that secures Cancelo's services for the long term.