Manchester United open talks for “extraordinary” Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with the representatives of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo to explore the possibility of a summer move.

Ahead of the upcoming transfer window, securing defensive reinforcements appears to be United’s major priority.

This season, Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff have had to deal with key defenders missing multiple games due to consistently occurring injuries. At the moment, the Dutchman is grappling with a crisis in the defensive department, with Harry Maguire the only fit and available senior centre-back available to him for selection.

In recent games against Coventry City, Sheffield United and Burnley on Saturday, Ten Hag was forced to field a centre-back pairing of Maguire and Casemiro. The Brazilian is of course naturally a midfielder by trade although he can do a job at the heart of the backline if required.

Amidst all this, there are also serious doubts about the future of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans, whose respective contracts are expiring at the end of the campaign. Both players are poised to exit Old Trafford as free agents unless they can agree fresh terms with the club. It has also been suggested that United could let Maguire and Victor Lindelof go if they receive enticing offers for them.

Alongside Araujo, United have so far been linked to a number of defenders including Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Gleison Bremer (Juventus), Leny Yoro (Lille), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Max Kilman (Wolves), Jean-Clair Todibo (OGC Nice), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich).

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Barcelona are prepared to listen to offers for Araujo despite initial claims that his sale is completely out of the question.

It’s believed that the Barca board is split on what to do regarding the Uruguayan. A section of the club’s executives led by president Joan Laporta want Araujo to stay as they consider him a vital member of Xavi’s team. Meanwhile, some other board members would be open to parting ways with the central defender as his sale would bring in much-needed money to the Catalan giants.

The Blaugrana’s financial troubles have been well-documented and the €80 million sum they’re believed to want for Araujo would go a long way in improving the books.

It’s important to note that Araujo is a product of their famous La Masia academy and whatever transfer fee is generated from his sale would represent pure profit for Barcelona.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has given a huge update on the future of the 25-year-old, whom they describe as “extraordinary” and explains that United have made a significant step in their efforts to lure him to Old Trafford.

Bailey states on TBR Football, “Chelsea and Manchester United have asked to be kept informed of Ronald Araujo’s situation at Barcelona.”

“Araujo’s current deal is due to expire in 2026 and Barca have already touched base with his agents about fresh terms. Bayern Munich looked closely at Araujo in January and they are understood to still be keen on the Uruguayan star.”

“TBR Football can reveal that Chelsea and Manchester United have spoken to intermediaries about Araujo and should contract talks fail, they could very well hold an interest in the 25-year-old.”

Araujo would certainly be an astute addition to the ranks at United. He boasts of rapid pace and is very strong. He’s also good in the air, which makes him efficient in both boxes.

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