Arsenal are in the driver’s seat in the race to sign Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo.
As per Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the 25-year-old is seriously considering an exit after growing impatient with life at the Spotify Camp Nou.
With the January transfer window now open, the English giants are on the lookout for quality players. They have suffered injuries all over the pitch, and barring William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior, all their defenders have been sidelined at some point in the current season.
Araujo is no different from such injury issues. The Uruguayan star has also missed a staggering 91 games for club and country since moving from Boston River in 2018.
He missed a chunk of games this season as he underwent surgery for a torn left biceps femoral tendon he suffered last summer. The defender played his first game on New Year’s Day eve. However, a lot of rumours kept coming regarding his contract status while he was sidelined.
Talks over a new deal for Araujo haven’t progressed, and his contract will be up in the summer of 2026. The centre-back’s representatives met with Barca’s sporting director Deco last year to discuss a contract extension.
However, there have been no movements in this deal, and the club is aware that the player is looking for an exit.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently stated that he wants the South American to stay and that both parties should find a solution. While talking in a press conference, he said:
“Araújo has a contract, and I want him to stay. But certain circumstances have come up — which I won’t go into because I don’t know everything — and he’s talking with the sporting director.”
“We value him a lot on a professional level, but above all on a personal level. There’s time to find a solution that is satisfactory for everyone.”
🚨🎙️| Laporta: “Araújo? You should ask Deco… I want Araújo to stay. I think we can find a solution. I like Ronald, great player and guy. For some circumstances, he is now talking to the sporting area. There is still room for a solution.” #fcblive pic.twitter.com/g2vpE6maK3
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) January 14, 2025
Even if Araujo does sign a new contract, he has to work a lot in order to fix his spot in the starting XI. Hansi Flick prioritises Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi. Jonathan Tah’s arrival could further hamper his chances to become a regular.
Araujo reveals his favourite Premier League club
It is said that the defender has informed the dressing room that he would love to move to the Premier League and Mikel Arteta’s style of play suits his profile.
Arsenal and Juventus have already joined the race, but they need to place an irresistible bid in order to convince the Blaugrana giants to sell their prized asset permanently. No loan move would be entertained.
Araujo’s ability to play as a centre-back and also a right-back makes him quite a versatile option at the back. He defends aggressively and is dominating in the air, showing exceptional physical prowess. We can say that he is perfectly built to face the intensity of the Premier League.
Good statement from Laporta, but it’s quite clear that Araujo wants to leave.
I’m sure the truth will come out later, but there’s obviously something that’s gone down behind the scenes.
It’s very odd for a player who’s always been so committed to the club to suddenly want out. https://t.co/mBqGV4X5cW
— Neal 🇦🇺 (@NealGardner_) January 14, 2025
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If the Gunners sign were to sign him this month, he won’t be available to face Dinamo Zagreb and Girona since he was named in the Spanish club’s bench in their 3-2 victory over Borrusia Dortmund in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.
