Man United and Chelsea in a tussle for €35 million-rated Barcelona defender | OneFootball

Ronald Araujo has carved out quite a reputation for himself in recent months. The 22-year-old has easily been Barcelona’s best defender this season and has emerged as the leader of the backline at Camp Nou.

Having arrived from Boston River in 2018 in a deal worth just €1.7 million, he has become an integral member of Xavi Hernandez’s side. However, the Uruguayan sees his current contract with the Catalan giants expire in eighteen months’ time. It has led to speculations surrounding his immediate future with the club.

MARCA reports that Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on capitalising on the situation and signing Araujo in the summer transfer window later this year.

Manchester United strengthened their defence last summer with the marquee signing of Raphael Varane. However, things have failed to improve for the Red Devils with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire being inconsistent as ever.

Furthermore, Eric Bailly is being linked with an exit. Given the situation, they are looking to bolster their defence further, with the signing of Ronald Araujo.

Chelsea, meanwhile, need reinforcements at the back as Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are out of contract in the summer. All of them have been linked with a move to Barcelona, surprisingly, and the Blues are now plotting to raid the Catalans to replace the outgoing defenders with Araujo.

The Blaugrana are keen on negotiating a new contract with the Uruguayan, while the defender himself is intent on signing an extension and prolonging his stay at Camp Nou. However, he is seeking an increase in his wages which reflects his growing status within the squad.

Talks over an extension could resume once the January transfer window is out of the way. Despite the growing interest in him, Araujo is largely expected to pen a new contract and stay with Barça.