- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Ronald Araujo’s contract talks with Barcelona have stalled, which has led to a host of clubs declaring their interest in the defender.
Barcelona are set for a summer rebuild with boss Xavi Hernandez potentially on his way out of the club following an interview which seemed to cause issues for the decisionmakers at the Spanish club.
Former Bayern Munich and Germany boss Hansi Flick, is set to be offered the top job at the Nou Camp with the future of the former Barcelona midfielder set to be called into question in the next few days.
As a result, a rebuild could well be expected but one of the players they are keen to hold on too is Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo.
Araujo interest
The 25-year-old defender is attracting interest from a host of top clubs if he does decide to leave Spain. HITC has been told that a host of Premier League clubs are understood to be interested, if a new contract is not agreed with Barcelona.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are understood to be watching the situation closely. Despite this, HITC has also been told that these clubs are under the assumption that the 25-year-old will commit his future to the Spanish club.
However, Araujo is understood to be frustrated with how these contract talks have gone with Barcelona and his representatives have alerted clubs to this and that means that the defender could be available for a transfer this summer.
After winning the league title with Barcelona in his debut season, Xavi has struggled hugely to get things right with the Spanish side suffering a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter final.
United’s need for a new defender
Despite the talk of Chelsea and Liverpool’s interest, United may well be the best placed side to sign the 25-year-old as their need for a centre-back may well be greater than the other two sides.
With Raphael Varane on his way out of Old Trafford, a new right footed centre-back will be needed at United. As well as this, the future of current United boss Erik ten Hag is unclear and a new centre-back could be targeted by the new boss, if the Dutchman is to be replaced.
Araujo would offer superb defensive solidity as well as an ability to play out of the back consistently, which United have not had this season due to Lisandro Martinez’s injury problems.
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