Arsenal and Man City are ‘in talks’ over a blockbuster swap deal that would greatly improve each side, though a Gunners regular would be cast aside if the move goes through, per a report.

Arsenal’s title tilt looks certain to come up short, though it cannot be argued they’ve taken giant strides forward this season.

A run of 11 successive league victories was what it took for Man City to overhaul Mikel Arteta’s side. But for Arsenal enduring an untimely loss of form, even that incredible streak might not have been enough.

In any case, despite the two clubs very much being on-field rivals, reports are emerging of a blockbuster swap deal that would strengthen each side.

Online outlet Football Transfers bring news of Arsenal and Man City being in talks over swapping defenders. The players in question are Kieran Tierney and Joao Cancelo.

Tierney has taken a back seat at the Emirates following Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival from the Etihad. Trusted reporter Ben Jacobs previously told TEAMtalk there’s a “very realistic possibility” Tierney leaves Arsenal if the right offer comes in this summer.

Newcastle have drawn repeated links, though the Scotland international has a known admirer in Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola is understood to be seeking reinforcements for the left side of his defence and Tierney’s versatility would be a perfect fit for the Spaniard.

Indeed, Tierney can operate as an orthodox left-back in a back four or a left-sided centre-half in a three. In Guardiola’s new 3-2-4-1 formation there may even be scope for Tierney to play in the double pivot as an inverted full-back.

Cancelo, meanwhile, was unceremoniously loaned out to Bayern Munich in January after a falling out over his drop in gametime.

Bayern do hold an interest in signing Cancelo outright, though have publicly admitted they won’t take up the costly €70m option.

Cancelo is understood to have no future back in Manchester once the loan concludes and a move to Arsenal that would see Tierney move the other way could be the perfect compromise.

Arsenal, Man City ‘in talks’; Ben White to suffer

Football Transfers add both Cancelo and Tierney are ‘available for transfer’ this summer and Arsenal and Man City are labelled as being ‘in talks’ over a swap.

One hurdle that must be overcome is the fact City value Cancelo at a higher price point than Arsenal do Tierney.

Cancelo is reportedly valued around the £60m mark, while previous reports have listed Tierney’s valuation in the £25m-£30m range. Part of the reason for Tierney’s somewhat modest valuation is his chequered injury record.

As such, Arsenal may be forced into sweetening the deal with cash on top if a move is to be made.

In the event the eye-catching trade does get the greenlight, Football Transfers add Cancelo would immediately be installed as Arteta’s starting right-back.

That would relegate current starter Ben White to the bench despite another superb campaign from the England international.

However, he may still generate somewhat regular minutes given he’ll then be viewed as both first back-up at right-back as well as centre-back. White is a natural centre-half and moved to right-back this season to accommodate William Saliba.

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