Inter Milan and Barcelona are reportedly going head-to-head for the signature of wantaway Al-Hilal star Joao Cancelo.

According to the Italian media via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri are taking the necessary steps to beat the Catalan powerhouse to the punch.

Joao Cancelo has already informed Al-Hilal of his ambition to return to Europe this winter.

Indeed, the 31-year-old has fallen out of favor with the new manager, Simone Inzaghi, and is now desperate to leave Riyadh.

Meanwhile, his agent Jorge Mendes has contacted several Serie A teams to offer the Portuguese ace’s services.

Inter Milan & Barcelona Battle It Out for Joao Cancelo

Piero Ausilio
LUGANO, SWITZERLAND – JULY 12: FC Internazionale Sportif Director Milano Piero Ausilio looks on before Pre-season Friendly between FC Lugano v FC Internazionale at Cornaredo Stadium on July 12, 2022 in Lugano, Switzerland. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Cristian Chivu is eager to sign a new wingback in January after Luis Henrique fell short of expectations.

Moreover, the 45-year-old manager will not be able to call upon Denzel Dumfries until March.

As such, Inter have made the arrival of a new winger one of their winter priorities.

Cancelo would be a massive coup for the San Siro outfit, yet the player’s substantial wages remain a stumbling block.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s well-documented financial turmoil could favor Inter in this race.