Manchester United are reportedly plotting a double raid on Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Ronald Araujo is the subject of interest from Manchester United. And the Red Devils are plotting a double raid on Barcelona for the summer transfer window. Frenkie de Jong is the other target for the Premier League heavyweights.
Ronald Araujo joined Barcelona from Boston River in August 2018 but had to bide his time before becoming a first-team regular. However, he has become a pivotal figure in the last few seasons. And the 24-year-old has also risen in stature on the international stage, becoming an instrumental player for the Uruguayan national side.
Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong has been with Barcelona since arriving from Ajax in July 2019. And the 26-year-old has been one of the best performers for the Blaugrana in the last four years. The Dutch midfielder has made 180 appearances for Barcelona, chipping in with 15 goals and 20 assists. And Araujo and de Jong reportedly feature on Manchester United’s radar over a possible summer move.
Manchester United hold a long-standing interest in de Jong, having attempted to sign him last summer. And the Red Devils are still keen on signing the Dutchman. Recent reports have claimed that Manchester United might soon table an offer to Barcelona.
The 26-year-old is the ideal partner for Casemiro, with his ball progression missing from Manchester United’s gameplay. But Frenkie de Jong is not the only Barcelona player on Manchester United’s radar, with Ronald Araujo emerging as a target. And amid uncertainties surrounding Harry Maguire’s future, the Uruguayan defender is an option worth considering.
Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to challenge for all trophies next season. And signing top-class players will help the Red Devils run Manchester City close in the Premier League. But de Jong has previously asserted that he does not want to leave Barcelona. So despite Manchester United’s obsession, a summer move seems unlikely.
Also Read: Back on top: How did Barcelona conquer La Liga this season?
As for Araujo, the Uruguayan defender is content in Barcelona and does not want to leave anytime soon. The 24-year-old is one of the leaders in Xavi Hernandez’s squad, with the Blaugrana unlikely to entertain any offers for him. Meanwhile, the report makes a bizarre claim that Manchester United will have a budget of €500 million. And a summer deal for either player is improbable.
