Barcelona defender rejects first renewal offer from club – report | OneFootball

With his contract set to clock down in 2023, Ronald Araujo has rejected the first contract renewal proposal from Barcelona.

Defender Ronald Araujo has turned down the first contract renewal offer from Barcelona, citing that although he wants to continue, the terms the Catalan club is proposing are dissatisfactory.

According to Spanish news outlet MARCA, talks between the player’s entourage and Barcelona took place last week, where the offer was swiftly rejected. However, the team is expected to return with renewed hope and an improved contract soon.

Araujo, whose contract expires in 2023, is a subject of interest for several top clubs, including the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. And his recent rejection may have alerted the Premier League giants as they hope the Uruguay international can be lured by offering a megabuck deal.

Barcelona’s priority is to extend his stay, and even the player has no desire to leave. Although he believes he is worthy of a contract that reflects the ability and performance he has put for the team.

The 22-year-old has proven to be a capable defensive partner for Gerard Pique, and his versatility has allowed Xavi to tinker with the formation more often than not.

Thanks to his adaptability, Araujo has been able to occupy both the right and the left centre-back positions. On top of it, he is one of the few Barcelona players who has clocked more than 1000 minutes in La Liga.

The relationship between Barcelona and Araujo’s representatives has never been any better. It’s inevitable that the defender will, in fact, put pen to paper, but the ball is in Barcelona’s court and they need to make the most of the opportunity given that defence is one position they need to strengthen.

Araujo is aware of Barcelona’s economic situation, and his intent is certainly not to earn similar to that of his veteran teammates. He believes Barcelona can present a better offer, though; thus the negotiation stays open.