Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo could be on his way out of the club this summer, and it looks like he will have more options to choose from in Europe if he decides to make a move. The 26-year-old recently renewed his contract until 2031 and has confirmed that he wants to stay, but circumstances could force him to consider a new chapter.
Araujo missed the first part of the season due to an injury and surgery in the summer, and since his return, he has not been able to play his way back into the starting line-up under Hansi Flick. Inigo Martinez, who will also stay at the club next season, and Pau Cubarsi have been preferred by the German coach.
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Limited playing time this season
So far this season, Araujo has only played 20 games with a total of 1,266 minutes, of which only 14 were starts. It is also worth noting that he did not start in the semi-finals or final of the Copa del Rey, and in the Champions League play-offs he has started two out of four games – in both cases due to suspensions (Cubarsi) or to avoid Martinez being banned for the return leg against Borussia Dortmund.
Juventus and Chelsea in line
After Bayern Munich resumed their interest in Araujo, Sport reports that Juventus and Chelsea are also monitoring the situation closely. Both clubs are also interested in Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, but Araujo could be an option. In the first 15 days of July, when the transfer window opens, he will be available for just €65 million due to a clause in his contract.
Crucial to Araujo’s future are Barcelona’s plans. It is still unclear whether the club would prefer to sell him now and sign Jonathan Tah on a free transfer this summer, as it appeared in January. Alternatively, they could choose to keep the younger Araujo, as there is no clear long-term partner for Cubarsi once Martinez (33) leaves the club.
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