Liverpool launch $59 million offer to sign Barcelona star Mikel Arteta is obsessed with

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 17 Sep 2025 04:37 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Liverpool are ready to beat Arsenal to the signing of Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, according to a report.

The Anfield club narrowly missed out on Marc Guehi at the end of the summer transfer window and appear ready to spend big on Araujo, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €39.4 million ($46.69m).

Arne Slot’s side are willing to spend as much as €50m ($59m) to lure the Uruguay international from Barcelona during the January transfer window, according to Fichajes.

Although Araujo is under contract with the Catalans until 2031, he has struggled to hold down a starting place under Hansi Flick and could be open to a departure. It is a huge fall from grace for a player once described by previous head coach Xavi as one of the best centre-backs in the world.

He has been linked with numerous Premier League sides in the past, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta described earlier this year as being “obsessed” with the player. The Gunners are unlikely to retain any serious interest in signing him currently given they added Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera to their ranks in the summer.

Araujo on Liverpool’s centre-back shortlist

Liverpool are known to be on the hunt for a centre-back. Slot has been very open about the fact that the Reds narrowly missed out on Guehi at the end of the summer transfer market and could revisit a move for the Crystal Palace ace.

Competition is expected to build in this regard, with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona all linked with a move for the England international.

The Reds still appear to lead the race for Guehi, in which case a move for Araujo would not be a significant priority.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are likely to accept a bid in the region of €50m for Araujo given their difficult financial position.