Ronald Araujo is reportedly closing in on signing a new contract with Barcelona amid his links with Bayern Munich.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Bayern Munich will unlikely succeed in signing Ronald Araujo in the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old Barcelona defensive mainstay is close to signing a new contract with the Catalan club, meaning a departure should not see the light of day.
Ronald Araujo and his Rise at Barcelona
Ronald Araujo has been a top-class performer for Barcelona since arriving from Boston River in August 2018. The Uruguayan international had to bide his time before becoming a regular for the Blaugrana, taking two years before establishing a foothold in the first-team squad. But he has not looked back in the last four seasons.
Now a mainstay at the back for Barcelona, the 25-year-old has seen his stock skyrocket, with his market value rising from €175,000 when he arrived in Catalonia to €70 million now. He has also become one of the four club captains for Barcelona following the departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
However, Araujo’s long-term Barcelona future is uncertain due to the club’s never-ending financial issues. In addition, he is a target for several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich. Recent reports also suggested a potential part-exchange deal between Bayern and Barcelona involving Joshua Kimmich and Araujo.
A Man in Demand
Bayern Munich’s interest in Ronald Araujo is understandable, considering the team’s defensive woes this season. Kim Min-jae has blown hot and cold since arriving from Napoli, while Matthijs de Ligt has been out of favour with Thomas Tuchel. In addition, Dayot Upamecano has not been consistent enough, while Eric Dier is not a definite solution for Bayern Munich.
So, it behoves Bayern Munich to invest in a centre-back, with Araujo emerging as a viable target. But the 25-year-old Barcelona mainstay has been keen on remaining at the club amid his ever-rising stature. In addition, the reigning La Liga champions have been eager to tie him to a new contract. That might now be possible, considering the latest update.
The report by Mundo Deportivo has claimed that Araujo is closing in on signing a new contract with Barcelona. So, Bayern Munich will have to look elsewhere, with the two parties on the cusp of sealing an agreement over fresh terms.
