Man Utd are poised to strike for Barcelona centre-half Ronald Araujo after the latest report indicated all is not well at the Camp Nou.
The Uruguayan centre-back, 23, has quickly established himself as one of the finest defenders LaLiga has to offer.
Araujo has been a mainstay at the heart of Xavi’s defence this season, though his current salary does not reflect his importance to the team.
Indeed, Araujo is still on the terms he agreed when arriving at Barcelona on a five-year deal in 2018. The club have reportedly strived to tie him down to an improved extension, but to no avail.
Now, Sport Witness (citing Spanish publication Sport), shed light on what the future could hold.
Firstly, they put PSG and Man Utdin the frame if Araujo’s time at Barcelona comes to an end. Of the two, United are deemed the likelier candidate to forge a deal.
Barcelona want to resolve the contract dispute with all haste to avoid Araujo entering the final 12 months of his contract. As such, they have put extension talks ‘back on track’ for the last week of March.
Araujo looking to Pedri, Fati examples
From the player’s perspective, Araujo would seemingly like to remain in Spain. However, he is fully aware of his true worth after developing into the ‘clear leader’ of Barca’s backline.
And in a hint his future could lay away from Spain, Monday’s Euro Paper Talk revealed he is currently taking English lessons.
It’s noted he’s rejected two Barcelona proposals so far. Clearly, the onus is on Barcelona to stump up the cash.
The club finalised contract extensions for Pedri and Ansu Fati in October. Araujo reportedly believes he is as vital to Xavi’s plans as that pair and wants to be financially rewarded to a similar degree.
However, Araujo is deemed willing to take a lower salary offer to remain at Barcelona compared to what United could table. As such, it’s looking like an uphill struggle if the Red Devils are to add the impressive centre-back to their ranks in the summer.
Regardless, the article concludes United will do everything in their power to bring Araujo to England.