Juventus to return with improved €50 million bid for Barcelona stalwart; Arsenal also keen | OneFootball

As reported yesterday, Barcelona rejected an opening offer from Juventus for their star defender Ronald Araujo.

The Bianconeri are eager to sign the 25-year-old Barça stalwart in the ongoing January transfer window and made an approach which was shot down by the Blaugrana, who are seeking at least €70 million for their star defender.

But, given that Juve have made Araujo a priority, they are expected to come back with an improved proposal for the Uruguayan international.

€50 million bid incoming

Indeed, according to MARCA, Juventus plan on returning with an improved €50 million offer to lure Araujo from Barcelona in the coming days.

As per the report, the proposal that the Blaugrana already rejected was worth around €35 million – half of what Barça would want to consider selling their defensive stalwart.

On his way out. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

It must be remembered that a year ago, Bayern Munich were willing to spend €100 million on Araujo, but the player and Barça rejected that avenue.

Things have changed now, though, as the defender has spent five months out injured, is not a regular starter since returning, and will enter the final year of his contract in the summer.

Despite the situation, Barcelona are still seeking a fee of around €70-80 million for Araujo, with the belief within the club being that the player wants to leave.

While it has not been directly communicated to them by either the defender or his camp, the moves being made behind the scenes by his representatives suggest as much.

Arsenal interested

Apart from Juventus, the report states that Arsenal are also very much attentive to the situation of Araujo at Barcelona.

The Gunners, competing for the Premier League title, could make an offer in the coming days, which could spark a bidding war for the defender’s signing.

In case that Barça are resigned to losing Araujo, they would encourage a possible bidding war so as to get the highest price for their captain.