With the 2023/24 season officially coming to an end on June 30, Barcelona have already started their operation to retain the services of Portuguese duo Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo.

Cancelo, in particular, has emerged as a priority target for Barça, The Catalan outfit are working with Jorge Mendes to try and secure another loan deal for the right-back.

However, it must be noted that the operation could be difficult, knowing Manchester City favour selling the Portuguese international on a permanent deal.

Competition from Saudi Arabia

Manchester City’s desire to permanently offload Cancelo this summer won’t be Barcelona’s only problem either.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalans are set to face stiff competition from Saudi Arabia in their pursuit of Joao Cancelo.

The report adds that the right-back is a popular name in the Saudi Arabian market. In fact, some of the Saudi clubs may even have the capacity to afford a permanent move for the right-back, which Manchester City are looking for.

Cancelo could move to Saudi Arabia this summer (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Not to mention, these clubs can also try and convince Cancelo to move to the Middle East by offering astronomical salaries.

Moreover, the image of the Saudi League has improved vastly over the past 18 months, as more and more European stars continue to make the move to the Middle East.

Barcelona identify alternatives

Saudi Arabia’s interest in Cancelo could be problematic for Barcelona. As such, the club have identified several alternatives for the Portuguese international.

Indeed, Barça are keeping close tabs on several right-backs in the market this summer, including former player Arnau Martinez.

The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Royal have emerged as targets too, though Cancelo pretty much remains the priority for the Blaugrana.