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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Barcelona are prepared to offer 25-year-old defender and reported Manchester United target Ronald Araujo a new deal to safeguard his future.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are keen on signing defensive reinforcements for United ahead of the summer transfer window.
This term, Erik ten Hag has had to deal with key defenders missing multiple games due to consistently occurring injuries. At the moment, the Dutchman is grappling with a crisis in the defensive department, with Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala the only fit and available senior centre-backs available to him for selection.
There are doubts about the future of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans, whose respective contracts are expiring at the end of the campaign and are set to leave as free agents. It has also been suggested that United could let Maguire and Victor Lindelof go if they receive enticing offers for the pair.
Already, the Red Devils have been linked to players like Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Gleison Bremer (Juventus), Leny Yoro (Lille), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Max Kilman (Wolves), Jean-Clair Todibo (OGC Nice), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich) and of course Araujo, just to mention a few names.
United’s interest in Araujo can be dated as far back as last year but a deal never got over the line.
Last month, a report covered by The Peoples Person revealed that Barcelona, whose financial woes have been well-documented, are open to selling the Uruguayan for €100 million.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano who spoke to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, the Blaugrana want to keep their star central defender and want to offer him improved terms.
The Italian journalist explained, “There’s no updates or developments on Ronald Araujo’s future yet. Barcelona are fully focused on the pitch now, but then they will discuss many contracts including Araujo, Pedri, Cubarsi and more.”
“Many clubs appreciate Araujo but Barca will offer him a new deal.”
“That’s been the expectation at the club for a long time.”
Unless something drastic happens, it seems like Ratcliffe and his associates may have to look elsewhere. Araujo has made 32 appearances across all competitions for Barca this season. He has helped the Catalan giants keen 10 clean sheets in that period.
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