The three big clubs who want to sign Araujo
FT Desk
- Updated: 9 Mar 2022 20:00 GMT
- 3 min read
Ronald Araujo’s chances of leaving Barcelona are increasing by the day as three major European clubs are battling it out for his signature, according to Sport.
The 22-year-old Uruguay international centre-back has established himself as a regular at Camp Nou over the past 18 months, featuring on 69 occasions for the first team.
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He initially arrived at the club from Boston River in October 2020, when he signed a contract that expires in June 2023. Given his dramatic increase in importance to Barca, Araujo is presently paid well below what would be expected.
Contract negotiations are not going well currently. Barcelona have offered the centre back €3 million per year but Araujo has made it clear he desires parity with fellow young stars Pedri, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.
Barcelona have made it clear that if they don’t agree a new contract with Araujo by the summer they will sell him to the highest bidder in order to avoid a repeat of the situation we saw with Ousmane Dembele this year.
So which clubs want to take advantage of Araujo’s contract problems?
Who wants to buy Araujo this summer?
Chelsea
Chelsea are the club most interested in signing Araujo as they will need to revolutionise their defence this summer.
The Blues are at risk of having to change virtually their entire backline. Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all see their contracts expire. The latter duo will likely join Barcelona, while Rudiger will probably leave too.
Chelsea will need to buy two or three centre backs and Araujo is on their shortlist.
Man Utd
Manchester United also need to improve their centre of defence this summer after a disastrous 2021-22 season.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have endured miserable campaigns, while Raphael Varane has also been a big disappointment after arriving from Real Madrid.
No one’s position at centre back is safe and Man Utd will certainly sign at least one new stopper – Araujo again is on their shortlist.
PSG
According to Sport, PSG are the latest big team to join the race to sign Araujo.
The Parisians will also be signing one or two centre backs this summer as Sergio Ramos has been constantly injured since arriving on a Bosman from Real Madrid. He will likely be released.
Aside from Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe, PSG don’t have too many other options – something that Araujo will solve.
