Last January it looked like Ronald Araujo could leave Barcelona, last summer it was rumored that he could leave too, and for the third transfer window in a row the Uruguayan appears to be closer to signing at another club than the signing a new contract. “We'll see,” Araujo responded on Saturday when asked about his contract.
This week it emerged that Juventus have approached Araujo, with reports in Italy saying they have been given the green light by the 25-year-old to make a move. La Vecchia Signora is probably waiting for a response from Barcelona about a move with a purchase obligation in the summer. MD reports that Araujo's officers did not respond when asked twice about his situation. Yet their sources at Barcelona say they are not aware of an offer from Juventus.
Nevertheless, Diario AS reports that no progress has been made on a new deal for Araujo. Barcelona are open to a sale in the summer if they fail to get a new deal over the line, with his current deal set to expire in 2026. There also remains a significant gap between Barcelona and Araujo's demands. Araujo believes he has earned a top contract after accepting a club-friendly deal in 2022, and is aware the club is negotiating deals for three franchise players: Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal. Their report ends by saying that Araujo does not appreciate being made to feel like a second priority, and that he has always had an affection for the Premier League.
Over the past two summers, Manchester United have been linked with a move for Araujo, although Bayern Munich were in talks with his camp last January. Given that Barcelona have established Pau Cubarsi in their backline and are believed to be looking to sign Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, it appears that a significant change in negotiations is needed to prevent Araujo's departure.
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