Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are among those keeping a firm eye on developments with Ronald Araujo at Barcelona.
As per 90 Min, Ronald Araujo remains unsure about his long-term Barcelona future, which could see the defender leave at some stage. The Catalans are not thinking a sale in January, but interest from clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United could change the Uruguayan’s course beyond next summer.
Ronald Araujo is a part of the conversations about some of the best centre-backs in the continent. The Uruguayan has made a mark at Barcelona and remains one of Xavi Hernandez’s most trusted players this season.
The Catalans have not worried too much about his future despite a raft of clubs showing interest. However, the future may appear indifferent to their current ideas, meaning many of their present stars could leave including Araujo.
Barcelona had plans to extend Araujo’s contract, but their financial situation always puts them at the risk of losing some top stars. The 24-year-old Barcelona star has no shortage of suitors, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United part of that growing list.
Bayern Munich also had links lately, with many questioning Thomas Tuchel about a potential January move. However, the biggest attraction might come from the Premier League with the quality of those sides keen on the 24-year-old Barcelona star.
Despite rumours, Barcelona have no plans to sanction an exit for the Uruguayan just yet. They are planning their future with him, but the report states Araujo remains unsure about his long-term prospects at the club. The idea stemmed from the fact that he’s occasionally playing in a right-back role, something he recently admitted is not his cup of tea.
Araujo said, “The truth is, I don’t like playing as a right-back. That’s the reality.
“But I always say, wherever the coach and the team ask me, I’m going to play and give my best, but obviously I feel very comfortable playing as a centre-back because it’s my natural position and it is where I can give 100%.”
Chelsea and Manchester United have struggled this season without a reliable defender at the back. They are the clubs able to form large sums on star players and, hence, could have the upper hand in negotiations if Barcelona are open to talks.
Liverpool are also looking for a new defender, especially after the season-ending injury to Joel Matip. Jurgen Klopp might plan to replace the Cameroonian once his deal expires in the summer. As for Araujo, he may stick around and could even see out many years in Barcelona, as things in football could change rapidly.
