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Arsenal ready to double contract offer for Uruguayan star

Arsenal are prepared to double Barcelona’s contract offer for Ronald Araujo to sign him this summer, Spanish outlet ABC reports.

Araujo has established himself as a key player at the Catalan giants, but there are doubts over his future ahead of the next transfer window.

The Blaugrana are eager to extend his deal beyond June 2023, but there has been far from successful in doing so over the past few months.

Their latest contract offer of £3.3m per year has been deemed insufficient by the defender, and the hierarchy are reluctant to pay more.

Amidst this, it is reported that the Gunners are willing to double Barcelona’s latest contract offer which roughly equates to £128,000-per-week.

The La Liga giants are likely to consider parting ways with Araujo, particularly if the contract stand-off extends beyond the current campaign.

The Gunners won’t be alone in the player’s pursuit. Manchester United are also willing to offer a similar basic salary package to the centre-back.

Araujo has been a solid presence for the Blaugrana in the central defensive role this campaign, winning nearly 67 per cent of his overall duels.


He has also excelled with his distribution, having completed over 89 per cent of his passes. Of late, he has also showcased his versatile qualities.

The 23-year-old has played almost his entire career from centre-back, but manager Xavi Hernandez has offered him opportunities at right-back.

Araujo has impressed with flying colours with two goals from six appearances. He also operated in the same position for Uruguay earlier this year.

The Gunners currently have Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes as the regular central defensive options with Rob Holding playing as the back-up.

William Saliba’s future is uncertain. He could be sold after his loan at Marseille, suppose he has no plans of renewing his contract expiring in June 2024.

Elsewhere, Pablo Mari could be shown the exit door after his temporary stint at Udinese. Araujo would be a solid signing to prove strong competition.

The big question lies whether he would accept a such a role. He has established himself as a regular starter already and may want assured minutes.

The same could be said for the right-back position with the Gunners. Takehiro Tomiyasu has been injured in recent months, but should start when fit.

It won’t be a surprise if Araujo snubs the Gunners for a possible move to Old Trafford where he has a better chance of cementing a starting spot.

Harry Maguire’s defensive woes could open up a place for Araujo at centre-back. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have hardly impressed from right-back this term.

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