Premier League giants Chelsea have a growing interest in Barcelona central defender Ronald Araujo. Sources at a Catalan media outlet paint Blaugrana as growingly perturbed about holding on to their man.
In a report, they claimed that the youngster from Uruguay has his heart set on Barcelona. He is glad to remain at the club. However, as it stands, the Blues are willing to offer two times more than what the Spanish side are to tie down the center-half long term.
For the present at least, it is likely that he will be staying at Camp Nou. However, pressure from Chelsea’s end is expected to cast a shadow of doubt over the 22-year-old’s future.
The Uruguayan is on the list with 3 other defenders whom Chelsea have their sights on. Joining him are Sevilla center-half Jules Kounde and Leicester defender Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea could lure away key man for Barcelona
Ronald Araujo has undergone some serious development over the past year. He has matured from a prospect into an impressively solid option when thrown in at the deep end during a tough time at the club. This kind of growth has been most likely possible by him remaining at the club where he climbed through the ranks.
At the end of the day though, money talks. With Chelsea offering twice the amount Barcelona is, there is little chance he might turn down the opportunity to opt for such a huge wage hike.
The Pensioners might be at risk of losing 3 important center halves at the end of the campaign. Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are all running down their deals which are set to expire in the summer.
Thomas Tuchel’s men would thus be eager to be active in the transfer market with the aim of reinforcing their side for the new season.
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