Manchester United’s chances of signing Ronald Araujo from Barcelona are increasing, with Chelsea now looking out of the picture for the Barcelona defender.
The two clubs had been the pair from the Premier League linked most with the defender, and given the sanctions now in place at Stamford Bridge they won’t be able to sign anyone in the summer unless things change between now and then.
Ralf Rangnick’s side have been linked with the Uruguayan endlessly in recent months, with claims just two days ago saying there’s an offer on the table from Manchester United.
That offer would be in terms of salary, as Araujo’s camp continue renewal negotiations with Barcelona. According to the stance, the Red Devils would be willing to pay a fee and get the player this summer, or wait and sign him for free in summer 2023.
They don’t have to take a lower salary just to make it easier for Barcelona’s accounts, and the player is right to demand a wage comparable to his teammates.
He hasn’t come through the full La Masia system, having merely finished his development there, so doesn’t have the attachment some fans assume.
Clubs are said to be contacting the player’s agents daily, with Manchester United again getting a mention, but not Chelsea, and it’s made clear an exit is a real possibility.
Now it’s down to Barcelona to decide how much they value their player.
