Inter Milan will reportedly compete with Liverpool and Newcastle United in the race to sign 27-year-old Uruguayan international Ronald Araujo from Barcelona this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Ronald Araujo is the subject of interest of Inter Milan. The Serie A table-toppers are keen on bolstering their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 27-year-old Barcelona defender has emerged as a target for the Nerazzurri. Liverpool and Newcastle United are also interested in the player, with Barcelona demanding €30 million to part ways with him.
How has Ronald Araujo fared at Barcelona?
Ronald Araujo has endured a topsy-turvy ride since breaking into the first-team squad at FC Barcelona. The South American defender became a regular for the senior team over half a decade ago, and he has made more than 200 appearances thus far for Barcelona while chipping in with 13 goals and seven assists.
However, the Uruguayan international has been in and out of the starting lineup under Hansi Flick, with his stock falling in the last 18 months due to lingering fitness issues. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old defender’s stock remains high, with several high-profile clubs vying for his signature. Inter Milan, Liverpool, and Newcastle United are among his prospective suitors heading into the summer transfer window.
A man in demand
Inter Milan will dip into the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window, as Francesco Acerbi is in the twilight of his career. Additionally, Stefan de Vrij faces an uncertain future at San Siro. Meanwhile, Alessandro Bastoni is a target for several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona. So, Araujo is a viable target for Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s long-term interest in Ronald Araujo is understandable. The Reds are scouring the market for a centre-back this summer amid uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future. Additionally, Virgil van Dijk is approaching the twilight of his career, and Joe Gomez has struggled with fitness issues throughout his spell with Liverpool. So, the Barcelona defender is a viable target for the Merseyside club.
As for Newcastle United, Fabian Schar’s long-term future is uncertain, as he has entered the final six months of his contract. While Eddie Howe wants the Tyneside outfit to keep the Swiss centre-back beyond the summer transfer window, Newcastle United can do with another centre-back.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will demand around €30 million to part ways with Araujo. Apart from Inter Milan, Liverpool, and Newcastle United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on signing the 27-year-old Uruguayan international. So, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the €30 million-rated Barcelona centre-back.
