Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Ronald Araujo, with the defender ‘prioritising’ a move to the Premier League should he decide to leave Barcelona.
Araujo has made over 150 appearances in all competitions for Barca since joining from Uruguayan outfit Boston River for a fee of just £1.5million back in 2017.
The centre-back made an immediate impression upon arrival and was promoted from the reserve team the following year, going on to establish himself as a regular at the heart of the club’s defence.
A serious hamstring problem meant Araujo missed the first half of this season and he made his long-awaited return in Barca’s 4-0 victory over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey last weekend.
However, Araujo’s lengthy injury layoff means he is yet to win the trust of head coach Hansi Flick and a sense of uncertainty has been growing over the Uruguayan’s future, with talks over an extension at a standstill.
Flick has landed on a settled centre-back partnership in Paul Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez and Araujo faces a tough task in winning his place back in Barca’s starting XI.
Araujo’s current contract is due to expire in 18 months’ time and Barca are prepared to listen to offers for the centre-half should he continue to stall over a renewal.
The La Liga giants would be reluctant to accept a loan deal this winter but ‘will not close the door’ on a permanent transfer should they receive a ‘very considerable and irresistible’ offer, according to Mundo Deportivo, with Arsenal lining up a bid.
The report states that Araujo has been open with his team-mates in the Barcelona dressing room that he is strongly considering a January move – and if he does depart, he will prioritise a move to England.
It’s claimed Araujo has always been ‘curious’ and ‘interested’ about testing himself in the Premier League, with the football played by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal appearing well suited to the Uruguay international.
Araujo is said to have grown ‘burnt out with various situations’ at Barcelona and his confession has ‘set off alarm bells’ with club bosses.
Juventus have also been credited with an interest in Araujo in recent weeks, but the Serie A club would prefer to take the defender on a temporary deal which is unlikely to suit Barca.
During an interview with Cadena SER earlier this week, Araujo refused to be drawn into speculation over his future and confirmed that discussions were ongoing over a possible extension at Barcelona.
‘We are talking with the club about my renewal,’ he explained.
‘But I am fully focused on playing again and getting minutes under my belt.’
Asked if he was 100 per cent committed to staying on at Barca, replied: ‘We are talking to the club.’
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