‘Especially Chelsea’ – Blues willing to offer ‘a lot of money’ for signing, player favours summer exit

Chelsea are one of the clubs to have shown interest in Barcelona star Ronald Araújo, according to Friday’s edition of Sport.

It’s claimed Chelsea are willing to offer ‘a lot of money’ to both the defender and the La Liga side.

The centre-back made an economic sacrifice when he last signed an extension in 2022, and his current deal lasts until 2026.

Barca are keen on offering the 25-year-old a new deal. They haven’t made progress because the proposal they can make is much lower than what others, ‘especially Chelsea’, can offer.

Araújo was criticised for his sending off in his side’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and İlkay Gündoğan publicly suggested the defender’s red card led to their Champions League exit.

Sport say these episodes have impacted the South American and he could now consider leaving the club. In fact, they say he has ‘one foot out’ and with Chelsea ready to make a significant investment, they could snatch him in the next window.

Over the past few weeks, the Catalan media have been trying to create a transfer hype around him. It started with dragging in Manchester United and Bayern Munich, followed by Aston Villa and now Chelsea.

It feels like Barca are using the local media to create a narrative around Araújo, ahead of his possible exit.