The defender “prioritizing” a move to the Premier League in the event that he decides to leave Barcelona has given Arsenal a significant advantage in their pursuit of Ronald Araujo.
Araujo joined Barcelona from Boston River of Uruguay in 2017 for a meager £1.5 million, and since then, he has made over 150 appearances across all competitions.
After making an instant impression upon joining the team, the center-back was promoted from the reserve squad the following season and went on to become a mainstay at the center of the defense.
Araujo made his eagerly anticipated comeback in Barca’s 4-0 Copa del Rey triumph over Barbastro last weekend after missing the first half of this season due to a significant hamstring issue.
Due to his protracted injury layoff, Araujo has yet to gain the trust of head coach Hansi Flick, and negotiations for an extension have come to a standstill. Flick has decided on Paul Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez as his center-back duo, and Araujo will have a difficult time regaining his spot in Barca’s starting lineup. Araujo’s current contract is set to expire in 18 months, and Barca is willing to consider offers for the center-half should he continue to stall over a renewal.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga powerhouses would be hesitant to accept a loan deal this winter but “will not close the door” on a permanent transfer should they receive a “very considerable and irresistible” offer, with Arsenal preparing a bid. According to the report, Araujo has been open with his teammates in the Barcelona dressing room that he is strongly considering a January move – and if he does depart, he will prioritize a move to England. It is said that Araujo has always been “curious” and “interested” about testing himself in the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal playing football.
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