Manchester United are keen on a move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araüjo, and the Catalans are already preparing for life without him.
That’s according to SportBILD, who say Barca are eyeing up a move for Matthias Ginter as a replacement for the Uruguayan.
They explain that Barcelona are one of several clubs interested in Ginter this summer as the German is set to be available on a free transfer after his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach comes to an end.
He’s subsequently been linked with clubs all over Europe, with SportBILD explaining there are several lining up to take him and Manchester United are one of them.
One of those are Barcelona, who ‘have him on their radar’ and have told him as much, although there have been no negotiations or an offer as yet.
The reason for that is Araüjo, whose own future is yet to be determined. He’s been a fixture in Barcelona’s defence this season, but his current contract expires in 2023.
Thus, Barcelona need clarity on it this summer; either he extends his stay at the Nou Camp, or they will be forced to sell.
If it is the latter, there is ‘great interest’ from England and ‘especially from Manchester United’ in his signature.
If they manage to lure the defender to Old Trafford, Barcelona would be more than happy to do a deal and ‘receive many millions’ from it in the process. Ginter would be one of the candidates to replace him.
The fact Barcelona are planning replacements suggests they think there is a serious possibility Araüjo could leave and Ralf Rangnick will get his man.
There’s no indication that they’ve made a move as yet, but the interest is apparently there from the Red Devils.
