Barcelona face Saudi threat for €30m-rated defender despite agreeing personal terms

More than three weeks into the summer transfer window, the most significant business done by Barcelona thus far is the signing of Pau Victor from Girona.

The Blaugrana have been working extremely hard to close the transfer of Nico Williams from Athletic Club and are also laying down the groundwork to sign Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig.

But with the focus seemingly on the Spanish duo, they appear to be losing ground in pursuit of some other targets.

For starters, Mikel Merino, a key target for the defensive midfield position, appears set to slip out and sign for Arsenal.

Now, according to SPORT, Barça also find themselves under pressure to act swiftly if they wish to sign Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.

Saudi Arabian duo pushing for Cancelo

This is because two clubs from the Saudi Arabian Pro League, Al Ettifaq and Al Ahli are pushing to sign Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.

The Premier League champions have made it clear that they will not give the Portuguese right-back for cheap and are prepared to sell him to the highest bidder.

Barcelona, though, have been holding out for another loan deal, potentially with an option to buy, something that Manchester City are not planning to entertain.

Cancelo only wants Barcelona. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Now, the two clubs from Saudi Arabia mentioned above are prepared to meet the Cityzens’ €30 million asking price for Cancelo in a single payment, putting Barcelona in a difficult position.

Cancelo has agreed personal terms

Apart from Al Ettifaq and Al Ahli, Cancelo is on the radars of Juventus and Inter Milan as well. In fact, the Bianconeri have held talks with Manchester City over a deal.

But, Cancelo, for his part, continues to hold on for Barcelona as he wants to return to Catalonia after going through a mixed loan spell last season.

In fact, the report states that Barça and Cancelo have already agreed personal terms thanks to his agent Jorge Mendes.

But the terms of the deal continue to be an issue as Barça push for a loan deal with a non-mandatory option while City insist on a sale.

In the event of a permanent transfer, Barcelona are only willing to pay €20 million for Cancelo but the Cityzens insist on selling to the highest bidder. As such, the Catalans are under pressure to act soon or risk missing out on him.