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Ronald Araujo has emerged as a target for Arsenal in the January transfer window and the Barcelona defender is reportedly considering his future after rejecting moves to Liverpool and Chelsea
Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, who has already turned down offers from Liverpool and Chelsea.
The Uruguayan central defender has become a fan favourite at the Catalan club in recent years thanks to his passion, leadership and crunching tackles. However, a hamstring injury has kept him sidelined for much of the season, with the 25-year-old finally returning to the action in the 4-0 victory over Barbastro last weekend.
That means he is yet to win over head coach Hansi Flick, with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez being the German’s preferred central defensive duo. According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are preparing a January bid – something which Araujo is said to have told his team-mates in the Barcelona dressing room that he is strongly considering.
Araujo is reportedly ‘burnt out’ from various situations at Barcelona, with his admission ‘setting off alarm bells’ with club bosses. While Barcelona would be hesitant to agree to a loan deal this winter, they would consider parting ways with him if they receive a ‘very considerable and irresistible’ offer, according to the Spanish outlet.
Araujo has just 18 months left on his contract while talks over an extension have stalled. Per Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have already rejected an offer from Juventus this month due to his importance to the squad. But it’s reported they would entertain offers around €70million (£58m).
Unlike Juventus, Arsenal have the financial power to make the move happen. Araujo is claimed to have always been ‘curious’ about testing himself in the Premier League, and Mikel Arteta’s style of play is one that suits him. However, it’s worth noting that Arsenal already have a strong selection of defenders, and their focus this transfer window appears to be on securing a world-class striker.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on January 11, 2025 in London Colney, England.
Mikel Arteta has plenty of defenders to choose from already
Araujo’s decision to turn down a move to the Premier League in 2022, despite lucrative offers from both Liverpool and Chelsea, will certainly endear him to the Gunners’ fans if a transfer does go ahead. According to Sport, he rejected the two English giants when his previous contract was nearing its end in favour of signing a new deal for less money than he would have earned in the Premier League.
Araujo refused to be drawn into speculation over his future during an interview with Cadena SER earlier this week, before confirming that discussions were ongoing over a possible extension at Barcelona.
“We are talking with the club about my renewal,” he said. “But I am fully focused on playing again and getting minutes under my belt.”Tap Here for the Full Story
