Chelsea join the hunt for in-demand Barcelona star | OneFootball

Premier League giants Chelsea have positioned themselves in the race for a leading member of the defensive ranks at Barcelona.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Ronald Araújo as the player in question.

Stopper Araújo has of course been hotly tipped for a Barcelona departure this summer, owing to a combination of the widespread interest in his signature, and potentially lucrative sum which could be secured in the case of a sale.

To date, the two clubs most heavily linked with a move for the Uruguayan have been Bayern Munich, and Manchester United.

As alluded to above, though, this week, another of the continent’s leading clubs, too, have entered the fray.

As per MD, Chelsea have earmarked Araújo as a chief target with a view to next season.

The Blues are on the lookout for a replacement for the departing Thiago Silva, with Barca’s defensive stalwart considered the perfect long-term solution.

The Blaugrana, as things stand, have no intention of parting with Araújo over the coming months, but, amid the club’s difficult financial situation, are aware that any and all big-money offers will need to be taken into consideration.

Conor Laird | GSFN