Chelsea have reportedly moved swiftly in response to Manchester United ’s ‘very strong’ transfer bid for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo as uncertainty grows over his future at the Nou Camp.
Araujo has become a regular starter at centre-back since graduating from the La Liga club’s B team three years ago, making 26 appearances in all competitions this season.
But the 22-year-old’s contract will expire in the summer of 2023 and negotiations over a new deal are stalling, with the Uruguayan thought to currently be one of the lowest earners in Barcelona’s squad.
That has attracted the eyes of several suitors, with Araujo one of the rising stars in Xavi’s rejuvenated team, creating the potential for a transfer battle between United and Chelsea.
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The pair of Premier League rivals are keen to boost their defensive options in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea will see as many as three of their first-choice central defensive options leave the club at the end of this season.
Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are all out of contract, with boss Thomas Tuchel requiring replacements.
With Araujo having impressed in La Liga, the Uruguay international has quickly risen up the Blues’ shortlist of targets.
But they are facing a fight with the Red Devils for the 22-year-old, with Ralf Rangnick also keen to boost his defensive options.
According to Marca, there is a ‘very strong’ offer from United to Araujo amid his continuing uncertainty.
The report states that Chelsea have responded to that bid by also submitting a ‘very strong’ proposal.
Those bids do not mean that Barcelona have given up hope of tying him down to a new long-term contract though.
It is claimed that Barcelona have already begun talks with a number of players who are soon to be out of contract, including Araujo.
Along with wonderkid Gavi, the negotiations over a new deal for the defender are proving to be the ‘most complicated’.
Despite negotiating since before La Liga’s Christmas break, there is still ‘no agreement’ with either player.
That has opened the door to Premier League rivals United and Chelsea, with time quickly running out for Barca to find a breakthrough.
Xavi himself is keen to keep Araujo at the club beyond the expiration of his current deal and recently made it clear that the talks with the defender are one of his top priorities.
“Araújo’s contract extension is one of the priorities. We definitely want to extend his contract as soon as possible,” he said before Barca’s win over Atletico Madrid.
“Araújo is giving us a lot and he is highly esteemed in the club and the dressing room.”
The defender played 45 minutes in the derby day draw with Espanyol on Sunday, before being forced off with a calf injury.
The point leaves Xavi’s side fourth in the La Liga table, though they are only ahead of Atletico on goal difference.
