Barcelona might pursue Deportivo Toluca winger Maximiliano Araujo if they fail to secure the services of Nico Williams this summer.
According to a report Spanish journalist Marcos Benito on El Chiringuito TV, Maximiliano Araujo is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for a wide attacker heading into the summer transfer window, with Nico Williams their priority target. However, they will pursue the South American winger if they fail to land the Spaniard.
Who is Maximiliano Araujo?
Maximiliano Araujo has established himself as a pivotal figure for Deportivo Toluca since arriving from Puebla FC in January 2023. A native of Montevideo, the Uruguayan international spent his formative years in his homeland before graduating from the youth division at Montevideo Wanderers. However, he has risen in prominence since moving to Mexico.
While Araujo’s output has not been high, he makes his mark during the build-up play. The 24-year-old winger has chipped in with nine goals and nine assists in 59 appearances thus far for Deportivo Toluca. Meanwhile, the player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona.
Barcelona interested
Barcelona will delve into the market for a wide attacker heading into the summer transfer window. While Hansi Flick has several players for the two flanks in his squad, but a closer look reveals why the Catalan giants want to sign another player for the position this year.
Ferran Torres and Raphinha face an uncertain future at FC Barcelona heading into the summer transfer window amid the club’s never-ending financial mess. So, it behoves Barcelona to invest in a wide attacker, with Nico Williams emerging as the priority target. In addition, the Spanish international wants to join the Blaugrana and is ready to reject his other suitors.
However, Barcelona might not have the funds to afford a move for Nico Williams, compelling them to set their sights elsewhere. Maximiliano Araujo has thus emerged as a viable target, considering the South American winger will only cost around €20 million.
Araujo’s price tag of €20 million makes him an appealing target for Barcelona, with other cost-effective options, including Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, also on the wishlist. However, they have an agreement with Nico Williams and might sign the Spanish international in the summer transfer window.
