At the request of his agent, FC Barcelona has already heard the first offer from Juventus for Ronald Araujo. Now the Italians will use the next few days to see how much they can sweeten a deal after they were rejected on the first proposal.
The 25-year-old has been crystal clear that he wants to leave Barcelona this winter, he wants a “more stable club”. MD was told he finally made up his mind after all the mess and shock that came from the fact that both Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor were only registered to play in La Liga this spring after a few rounds in court.
The point is that Araujo wants to leave now that Juventus are pressing. – That interest can cool if it takes too long or becomes too difficult.
Already last Thursday, there were revelations that the Uruguayan had told his colleagues about his wish.
Manager Hansi Flick has said in the latest press conference after the rumours surface, he expects Araujo to move forward and that nothing new has happened. “He tells who asks him that he wants to leave as soon as possible”.
At the same time, Juventus make no secret of their interest in signing Araujo to alleviate their losses in defence. The sporting director, Cristiano Guintoli, spoke openly yesterday, ahead of the Turin team’s match against neighboring Turin. “Ronald Araujo and Kolo Muani are two good players, but the transfer window has just opened and we hope to receive some positive news, possibly as soon as next week,” Guintoli assured.
At FC Barcelona, the position is also clear. Araujo is not for sale, and if he is sold, it is because the player and his agents manage to get an offer in line with his quality and youth. That is around 70 million euros.
The cards are on the table: Araujo wants to leave, Flick wants him to stay and Juventus want to sign him, but have to pay a lot, probably more than they can and want.
