Manchester United may have received a boost in the pursuit of Ronald Araujo as Barcelona named their asking price to sell the defender.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United could have a chance to sign Ronald Araujo in the summer as Barcelona are reportedly open to offers for the defender. The Catalans could sell the Uruguayan centre-back if an interested club can spend €60 million, as the Spanish giants could make some strategic decisions around the summer.
Ronald Araujo has missed a major chunk of the season owing to the injury he suffered during last summer’s Copa America. He has been fit and available for Barcelona’s last eleven league games, although he has started only four and then came on as a substitute in another encounter.
Despite being fit, Hansio Flick has not considered starting him often, with the pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez seen as the starting centre-backs for the time being. There were rumours of an interest in Virgil van Dijk, with the Liverpool defender still a possible arrival should he choose to leave at the end of the season.
Should Barcelona pursue a move for the Dutchman or any other defender, it could spell the end for Araujo at the club. Despite the defender signing a new deal until 2031 back at the end of January after a winter window of drama where he was close to signing for Juventus, the Uruguayan could depart the Catalans.
A host of clubs are open to signing him in the summer, with Manchester United certainly interested in the Uruguayan. Barcelona are willing to sell him for a minimum fee of €60 million, with the money likely to help them ease through their financial problems as well as allow them to sign a different replacement.
Will Manchester United sign Ronald Araujo?
Manchester United are certainly one of the clubs interested in the Barcelona star and might be keen to sign him if he is indeed made available. In any other year, a €60 million fee would not have bothered the club, although them situation at Old Trafford has changed considerably with time, with multiple reports stating that cash flow ahead of the summer window will be a problem.
If Manchester United can find solutions by selling some unwanted stars and make sure they have the money for the likes of Araujo, they might be in for the defender. For the time being, much will depend on Barcelona’s strategy ahead of the summer and how they plan their window, which might see a few departures including the Uruguayan.
