Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is reportedly close to joining Premier League champions Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
According to Spanish publication Super Deporte, Manchester City are closing in on the surprise capture of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo in the upcoming transfer window.
Ronald Araujo joined Barcelona from Uruguayan outfit Boston River in 2018 and made his senior debut for the club in the subsequent year. However, he only became a regular in the first-team setup last season when previous manager Ronald Koeman gave him an extended run.
The 23-year-old has made the most of his opportunities under Koeman and now Xavi to become a mainstay at the back for Barcelona. Regarded as one of the most talented young defenders in La Liga currently, Araujo’s future at Camp Nou has become uncertain as his contract with the club stands to expire in 2023.
Talks over an extension with Barcelona have not gone well as they are unwilling to meet his demands of handing him a deal on the same level as the ones to Pedri and Ansu Fati. This situation has led to clubs from the Premier League eyeing a summer move for the Uruguayan international, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal being credited with an interest.
However, it seems like their Premier League rivals Manchester City could clinch the signing of the 23-year-old Araujo. As per the report, the Cityzens have been keen on capitalising on the defender’s contract situation at Barcelona, while the prospect of playing with someone like Ruben Dias appeals to the Uruguayan ace as well.
Manchester City, as things stand, have a well-stocked defensive roster with Dias and Aymeric Laporte the preferred starters while John Stones and Nathan Ake provide cover. However, one of Stones or Ake could be on their way out in the summer, with the former even attracting interest from Newcastle United.
It would open up a space for a new centre-back to come into the roster at the Etihad Stadium, explaining Manchester City’s interest in Araujo. Barcelona remain keen on extending his contract and prolonging his stay at Camp Nou. However, at the same time, they are unwilling to table an improved offer for the 23-year-old.
So, in case there is no agreement between the club and the player, Barcelona will look to offload Araujo in the summer and not risk losing him for nothing in 2023. And, as things stand, Manchester City seem to be well-positioned to secure the former Boston River ace’s signing before next season.
