Arsenal joined the race for sign Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo, who is also reportedly being chased by Juventus.
The top defender is currently recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the first half of the season. When fully fit, Araujo is comfortably one of the the best centre-backs on the planetwhich boasts a mesmerizing mix of cuteness and delight in both boxes.
Barcelona had no intention of parting ways with Araujo this month or this summer and were actively involved in negotiations to extend his contract beyond its current expiry date of June 2026. However, talks around the new deal is stoppedand on Wednesday news broke that Araujo had ‘agreed‘ loan to Juventus in January – to the great surprise of everyone associated with Barcelona.
Arsenalfeeling an increasingly dense fog of uncertainty, they fell into arguments, according to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
The Gunners have a solid and established partnership between Gabriel and William Saliba at centre-back, however, there could be room for Araujo to challenge for the right-back spot. The Uruguayan international was often moved from his natural position during Xavi Hernandezmanager, engaging in several exciting – and often successful – battles with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
Mikel Arteta has been forced to insert midfielder Thomas Partey into defense on several occasions this season following the long absences of Ben White and Jurrien Timber. The Arsenal boss took a typical move cautious attitude towards club activities in the January transfer window, but most of them winter goals were options for the future after a serious injury to Bukaya Saka.
Barcelona managed to get through the first six months of the campaign almost entirely without Araujo and did closing to Bayer Leverkusen central defender Jonathan Tah as a summer arrival on a free transfer.
Mundo Deportivo claim that if Araujo is unwilling to extend his contract according to the club’s current terms, Barcelona he will seriously consider selling while he can still get a substantial fee.
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