On February 8th, we covered claims made by Mundo Deportivo that explained Chelsea’s interest in Ronald Araújo have ‘appeared in recent days’.
It was also stated the west London club are considering the Barcelona centre-back for the summer due to the danger of them losing some of their defensive players after this season.
Antonio Rüdiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all have less than six months left on their contracts at Stamford Bridge and have been linked with moves elsewhere in recent weeks.
The Champions League winners’ interest in Xavi Hernández’s man is again discussed in today’s edition of Sport.
Araújo’s current deal expires in 2023 and the La Liga side have been trying to extend his contract for months. He is one of the lowest earners at the Camp Nou and wants a salary that corresponds to his performances on the pitch.
Sport state it is an ‘absolute priority’ for Barcelona to extend the Uruguay international’s contract and there’s belief at Barca they will be successful in their efforts.
Although the renewal negotiations are advanced, the Catalan club must keep an eye on the Premier League side because of ‘the siren songs that come from’ Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have the financial ability to offer an improved deal to the 22-year-old and this has forced Barca to make an economic effort to secure the South American’s long-term future.
Araújo’s representatives and Barcelona ‘began very far apart’, but the report adds the two parties are now ‘getting closer’ after both sides ‘made concessions’. With Chelsea in the picture, Xavi’s side need to act fast to tie the defender down to a new contract.
