Barcelona could offer 33-year-old veteran to Manchester City in swap deal for Cancelo | OneFootball

With less than two weeks left before the summer transfer window closes, things are picking up pace at FC Barcelona.

The Catalans are aiming to finalise exit operations at the earliest possible and one of the players who appears to be on his way out is Ilkay Gundogan.

The 33-year-old was one of Barcelona’s best players last season and is not keen on leaving. But the club’s financial position has forced them to act and the midfielder has accepted the decision to leave.

Interestingly, Gundogan’s former club Manchester City are interested in re-signing him and have already made contact with his camp to explore the possibility of a move.

A swap deal on the cards?

It sets up an opportunity for Barcelona and Manchester City to execute a potential swap deal involving Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo.

Cancelo-Gundogan to swap clubs? (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Portuguese international right-back is a top target for the Blaugrana but negotiations have been stuck for some time due to disagreements between the club.

Manchester City want to offload Cancelo on a permanent transfer whereas Barça are only able to sign him only on loan as they are not in a position to meet his valuation.

But the Premier League champions’ interest in Gundogan presents Barcelona with an opportunity to strike a swap deal involving the two stars.

There may be some disparity in terms of transfer values, but Man City does not want to keep Cancelo and want Gundogan while Barça are eager to sign the former and are ready to part ways with the German veteran.

Cancelo might still need to accept a pay cut in order to re-sign with Barcelona but there is now the possibility of a swap deal being struck between them and Manchester City.