Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in signing Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo this summer, according to Spanish publication AS.
The Uruguay international is currently contracted to the Blaugrana until 2026, but there are doubts about his future beyond the summer.
The La Liga giants need around €100 million to balance their books. It is claimed that there could be a ‘painful’ high-profile departure in the next transfer window.
Araujo has been identified as one of the players who could secure the fee (AS – page 17)
United and Bayern Munich are among his admirers and they are prepared to bet heavily on him with proposals that could ‘greatly’ improve his salary.
Man Utd should not pay over the odds for Araujo
The Red Devils are preparing for the potential departure of Raphael Varane whose contract expires at the end of June. No talks are planned for a renewal.
United could replace him with a younger centre-back in the prime of his career. Araujo would be an ideal fit as his strengths are quite similar to Varane’s.
He is a strong ball-playing centre-back who has good aerial presence. The 25-year-old has completed almost 90 percent of his passes this season with 65 percent duels won.
Araujo has also excelled with his ball recoveries and clearances. He prefers to operate from the right centre-back position and would be an upgrade on Varane.
Despite this, United should not pay over the odds for the centre-back. Like Varane, Araujo has had a knack for picking up short-term injuries during his career.
A deal would make sense for around €50m but he could be a risky acquisition beyond that.
United should have no problem in increasing his €134,000 per week salary, but they should avoid being held to ransom in the pursuit of the South American star.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Sofascore.com & Capology.com.
