A prospective defensive bolsterer for Thiago Silva’s summertime replacement has been discovered by Chelsea.
The 39-year-old made it known that he planned to depart the team at the end of the current campaign and sign a two-year contract to play for his hometown team, Fluminese.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team is poised to make it to Europe next season, and they will probably bolster again come summertime.
Ronald Araujo of Barcelona is being closely watched by Chelsea and Manchester United, according to the Spanish publication Fichajes.
Despite a dismal start to the season, the Blues will not participate in the UEFA Champions League, while the Spanish powerhouses will.
Araujo, 25, has a €100 million (£85.6 million) price tag on his head and is under contract at Nou Camp until 2026.
The Uruguay international, who joined the team in 2018, has always expressed his happiness at Barcelona while acknowledging that La Blaugrana’s needs will always determine his future.
As he stated earlier this year, “The club determines my future.” “Everyone is aware of my happiness at Barca. And Xavi has my sincere gratitude.
We had a fantastic game at home, so we are thrilled to have qualified. From the very beginning, the support of our followers was extremely important.
Given INEOS’ transfer approach, Manchester United is unlikely to want to spend that kind of money on Araujo; nevertheless, with Raphael Varane expected to depart, the door is fully open for a new centre-back to arrive.
Other targets like Jean-Clair Todibo and Jarrad Branthwaite might end up being more affordable, but Araujo’s expertise will be invaluable to Erik ten Hag for the upcoming campaign.
