Three weeks ago, reports in Spain suggested that Manchester United were leading the race to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.
That was according to Marca, with the Spanish newspaper detailing how talks over a new deal at Barcelona are not progressing like the club would want, putting not just United but Real Madrid, Chelsea and Man City all in a position to sign the 22-year-old.
Araujo has had a growing influence on the Barcelona defence, but they’ve struggled this season and winning La Liga has become mission impossible. He has started in 15 La Liga games so far this season and it seems like manager Xavi wants him part of his long-term plans.
However, there probably hasn’t been a better time to pick up a gem from the La Liga giants because they’re not reaching the heights of yesterday, which sounds painfully similar to United right now as we compete for a top four finish in the Premier League.
A recent claim made on El Chiringuito TV backs up claims that United are trying to sign Araujo.
🚨 EXCLUSIVA de @DarioMonteroG 🚨
🥶 "La RENOVACIÓN de ARAUJO con el Barça está CONGELADA"
‼️ "El UNITED le da 10M€ netos y el BARÇA no llegaba a los 4M€". pic.twitter.com/NR0z64l7K6
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) March 2, 2022
They add that Barcelona offered him a deal worth €4m annually, although United’s proposal is more than double that, at €10-per-year.
It will be interesting to see if another club offers the same deal or more in a bid to sign the centre-back.
