Aston Villa plot summer raid for Barcelona fan-favourite defender | OneFootball

Ronald Araujo is one of many Barcelona players facing an uncertain future ahead, as the club brace itself for a potential squad overhaul.

With Barça facing yet another economic distress, the club could be forced to offload some of their star players in the summer in order to bring in some much-needed revenue.

The sale of Araujo, to that end, appears quite lucrative as the defender could fetch a lucrative valuation in the market.

Aston Villa interested in Araujo

Araujo’s uncertain situation in Barcelona has not gone unnoticed either, with Aston Villa among the clubs interested in his services.

According to Diario SPORT, Aston Villa coach Unai Emery, alongside sporting director Monchi, are interested in signing a new defender this summer and Araujo fits the bill perfectly.

It must be noted that both Monchi and Emery were present in Barcelona’s game against Valencia. The two even chatted with Barcelona’s management and it appears the issue of Araujo was raised in that conversation.

Unai Emery eyeing a move for Ronald Araujo (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)

Aston Villa proposed their interest in Araujo’s situation and vowed to come up with an offer if the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

With the Premier League season coming to an end yesterday, Aston Villa have indeed qualified for UCL next season by finishing fourth in the league.

Deal depends on certain factors

However, the report adds that Aston Villa’s proposal for Araujo would depend on multiple factors.

Even though the club secured UCL football, they must trim down the current squad. Emery has already given his go-ahead to put Diego Carlos on the market.

Even if Aston Villa manage to secure Carlos’ exit, the Villans are not expected to meet Barcelona’s staggering €80 million demand for Ronald Araujo.

Araujo, meanwhile, is not the only defender Barcelona are open to selling this summer. The club may also consider offers for the versatile Andreas Christensen, who may also fetch good value.