Serie A heavyweights revive interest in Barcelona captain, talks ongoing – report | OneFootball

Back in the January transfer window, Juventus came very close to securing the signing of FC Barcelona defender and second captain Ronald Araujo.

The Uruguayan international, having just returned from an injury, was finding it hard to get minutes under Hansi Flick, who had installed Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez as his preferred centre-backs.

As such, Juventus tried to lure Araujo away with a tempting proposal, but Barcelona director Deco convinced the defender to not only stay but also sign a new contract until 2031.

However, with Barça needing a big sale this summer and the centre-back’s release clause set to drop to €60 million for the first couple of weeks of the transfer window, he is again being linked with an exit.

Juventus still interested

Building on that, journalist Hugo Scoccia reports that Juventus have revived their pursuit of Ronald Araujo this summer.

Juventus want Araujo again. (Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images)

The Bianconeri consider the Barcelona captain as the defensive signing they need and as such are prepared to make an offer that is tempting to both the player and the club.

Talks are understood to be ongoing behind the scenes with the Italian giants hoping to be second-time lucky in their chase of the Uruguayan international.

However, it must be noted that Araujo, during the international break, made it clear that he is not contemplating a departure from Barcelona this summer.

Despite that, the reduced release clause for the early parts of the window as well as the lack of a guaranteed starting spot could lead to his departure.

The potential sale of Araujo could turn out to be a clinching factor in Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams as it might free up enough salary space to register the Spanish international.