Contract renewal talks between Barcelona and Ronald Araujo have stalled, with Chelsea and Manchester United monitoring his situation.
According to a report by HITC, Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in signing Ronald Araujo. The two Premier League heavyweights are keen on securing the services of a top-class centre-back in the summer transfer window. They are keeping tabs on the situation of the 25-year-old, whose contract renewal talks with Barcelona have stalled.
The Ronald Araujo story
Ronald Araujo has come leaps and bounds since joining Barcelona from Boston River nearly half a dozen years ago. A mainstay at the back for his club and country, the Uruguayan international is an excellent defender who reads the game well and can also play as a right-back.
The 25-year-old has turned out 150 times thus far for Barcelona, chipping in with eight goals and five assists. Meanwhile, Araujo became one of the vice-captains for the Blaugrana before the 2023/24 season started after the departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. However, his long-term Barcelona future is uncertain due to multiple reasons.
Barcelona’s crippling financial situation means most players are on the chopping block if the outgoing La Liga champions receive attractive offers. In addition, talks over a new contract with Araujo’s representatives have not progressed well. Such a situation has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.
Premier League beckons?
Chelsea’s interest in Ronald Araujo is understandable. Thiago Silva is leaving the West London club as a free agent on July 1, playing his last game for them last week. So, the Blues are scouring the market for a top-class right-back, with the Barcelona defender emerging as a viable target.
As for Manchester United, the Red Devils are also keen on signing a centre-back, with Raphael Varane playing his final game for the club. In addition, Jonny Evans faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford. So, Araujo is an option worth considering, with Manchester United monitoring his situation.
With contract talks with Barcelona not progressing, Araujo might leave the Blaugrana club for a big-money deal in the summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea or Manchester United can convince him to join them.
