Report: Everton highly interested in Barcelona’s gem defender | OneFootball

According to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, Everton are interested in Barcelona’s gem defender Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan national has risen to prominence this season with a host of impressive displays for the Blaugranas.

Araujo is rock solid in defence, boasting an incredible height and physicality. Additionally, he is also a very intelligent defender, adept at blocking out spaces and timing his challenges.

The Uruguayan’s traits and defensive virtues have allowed him to not be dribbled past in his last 20 La Liga appearances. Boasting an aerial win rate of 82.5%, Araujo comes in at the 98th percentile among all Spanish league defenders this season.

It is obvious to see why the 22-year-old would attract the attention of several clubs, given his potential and dominance in defence. Coincidentally, Fabrizio Romano reports that Everton have plans to sign a centre-back in the summer, with their manager ‘highly appreciating’ Araujo. Nevertheless, in the same report, Romano made it clear that Barça are totally closed on selling their defensive gem.

With several woes in the backline that have led to some of the club’s biggest European embarrassments, Ronald Koeman will surely be looking to get the best possible defensive roster heading into next season.

Adding to the already wonderful talents that are Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza, young starlet Eric Garcia will also be joining the Catalans in the summer. It is evident that the Dutch manager, as well as Barça’s board, want to account for every possible scenario.

They will be unwilling to sell the Uruguayan defender, given the several complications that can prop up during the season. Koeman and his staff will be looking to plan for the congested fixture schedule and several games. He recognizes the benefits of having several world-class defenders, and with Araujo becoming the most promising one, there is no way the club will be offering him up for sale any time soon.