Arsenal are ‘very interested’ in signing one of Barcelona’s best defenders during the ongoing transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Gunners are currently six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
They have been unconvincing in the attacking department on occasions. A new forward should be signed before the winter transfer deadline.
However, Arsenal reportedly want to strengthen their defence further by purchasing Ronald Araujo.
The Barcelona star returned from a hamstring injury last month. He was on the bench for the first three games before starting against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey.
Araujo is concerned about his playing time with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez the preferred centre-backs in the league games for manager Hansi Flick.
The club are also working on a free transfer for Jonathan Tah, which could persuade him to move on.
Juventus have already made a loan move with an obligation to buy, but Arsenal also wish to sign Araujo, and they are ‘willing to bid strongly’ for his services.
Barcelona have yet to convince Araujo to extend his contract, which expires in June 2026. They are open to sanctioning his sale if he decides to leave the club.
Arsenal signing Araujo would be a huge surprise
Araujo has just returned from a long hamstring injury lay-off. The 25-year-old is assessing his options as he is no longer guaranteed a starting role at Barcelona.
Arsenal are mentioned as one of his suitors, but they are unlikely to make an approach.
The Gunners currently have William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes as undisputed starters in central defence for the Premier League and Champions League games. Jakub Kiwior is the immediate back-up.
Kiwior has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium. There has been speculation that he could return to Serie A. Napoli are one of his main admirers.
If Arsenal were to sanction his sale, they may require a replacement.
Araujo would be a superb signing, but Arsenal need to be wary of his injury record. The Uruguayan has picked up several niggles during his time at Barcelona.
He could avoid injuries with reduced playing time behind Saliba and Gabriel, but the big question is whether he would leave the Blaugrana for a similar situation at Arsenal.
Araujo can also operate at right-back but would face similar competition. Jurrien Timber is the regular at the moment, and Ben White should return to action soon.
The speculation could be agent-driven to speed up talks with Juventus.
The £46 million-rated star will likely end up in Turin. He could start regularly under manager Thiago Motta. Juventus are eager to fill the void left by Gleison Bremer’s injury.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
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