Serie A giants Juventus are reportedly eager to complete the deal to sign 25-year-old Uruguayan international Ronald Araujo from Barcelona this week amid his links with Arsenal.
According to a report by Sacha Tavolieri on Sky Sport Switzerland, Ronald Araujo is the subject of interest from Juventus. The Serie A giants are keen on signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window and have set their sights on the Barcelona defender. The Uruguayan defender is also a target for Arsenal, but the Bianconeri will aim to seal the deal for his signature this week.
The rise and rise of Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since joining Barcelona from Boston River. The South American defender had to bide his time before becoming a regular for the Blaugrana. However, he did not look back after becoming a mainstay at the back for Barcelona, although an untimely injury has derailed his spell.
The 25-year-old has fallen in the pecking order during his time on the sidelines, with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez establishing themselves as the first-choice centre-backs. Araujo has managed only 152 minutes of game time across two appearances in all competitions thus far this season, and he has yet to play in La Liga or the UEFA Champions League.
However, the Uruguayan international’s stock in the market remains high, with several high-profile clubs setting their sights on him. Arsenal and Juventus are among the prospective suitors vying for the signature of the Barcelona defender this month.
What next?
Arsenal’s interest in Ronald Araujo is surprising. Mikel Arteta has two of the best centre-backs in the Premier League in his squad, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes forging a formidable partnership. In addition, Arsenal’s backup options are solid, with Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Riccardo Calafiori at Arteta’s disposal. Nevertheless, the Barcelona defender is a target.
As for Juventus, the Serie A giants have been keen on signing a centre-back since losing Gleison Bremer to a season-ending knee injury. In addition, Danilo will likely depart from the Allianz Stadium this month. So, Araujo has emerged as a viable target for Juventus, with the Bianconeri eager to seal the deal to land him this week.
Widespread reports have suggested that Araujo will likely leave Barcelona to join Juventus this month. So, Arsenal might be in a losing battle for his signature. It will be interesting to see if the Serie A giants secure the services of the 25-year-old Uruguayan international this week.
