Romano provides update on Bayern's pursuit of Barcelona star Araujo
Cameron Smith
- 10 Dec 2023 09:50 GMT
- 3 min read
Ronald Araujo remains focused on Barcelona and would like to extend his stay at Camp Nou despite transfer interest from Bayern Munich, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Uruguay international was linked with an exit during the summer as Barcelona anticipated a mass exodus amid their financial struggles, but he stayed put and has now garnered the interest of Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern.
Manchester United wanted to sign Araujo in 2022, but failed in their pursuit of the talented defender, while Bayern have now registered their desire to sign him next year.
German media have reported that Tuchel’s side are ready to break the bank in order to land Araujo as he’s been identified as an “urgent” transfer target.
However, although Bayern are extremely interested in bolstering their backline with the addition of the Uruguay star, Araujo himself isn’t pushing to leave Barcelona, as per Romano.
What has Romano said?
The transfer expert told CaughtOffside: “I want to start today’s column by again clarifying my information on the Ronald Araujo situation.
“While it’s true that he’s a player Bayern Munich really like, with Thomas Tuchel really insisting for the signing, this is far from a straightforward deal for them.
“As things stand, my understanding remains that Araujo’s priority is to stay at Barcelona, while Barca also consider him a key player, so talks over a new contract will happen soon.
“Araujo is ready to discuss a new deal with Barca, so they are on the same page and that’s what I expect will happen.
“Of course, Araujo is a top player so it’s normal that a big club like Bayern would be interested, but there has never really been any change to the situation, despite reports.
“The message from the player’s camp has always been that he’s very happy at Barca, so let’s see now how contract talks will progress - it’s one of the priorities for the Barca board.”
Araujo’s contract at Camp Nou runs until 2026 after he signed an extension last year, and it appears as though putting pen to paper on a new Barcelona deal is deemed more likely than a move to Bayern at this stage.
