A stunning revelation from several Spanish media outlets has divulged that Catalan kings Barcelona could lose one of their most improved players to their arch-rivals. Centre-back Ronald Arajo, whose contract expires in 2023, could reportedly be on Real Madrid’s radar.
According to the Radio Kanal Barcelona, the Blaugrana might be forced to sell Araujo to the record UEFA Champions League winners, partly owing to their dismal financial situation, which saw them lose several players, including talisman Lionel Messi, who has since joined Paris Saint-Germain.
The 22-year-old has established himself as a vital part of the current Barca setup, which is in somewhat of a rebuilding phase, post the departure of Lionel Messi. The Uruguayan, who joined Barcelona in 2018 from Boston River, first played under then-manager Ernesto Valverde.
The Uruguayan has been quite impressive over the last year, making 61 appearances, scoring four times. However, with just 18 months left on his contract, it is unlikely that Barcelona will be able to extend, given their economic situation. Such being the case, it has been suggested that the Los Blancos might be eyeing a stunning swoop fit the defender.
Several clubs have expressed an interest in securing the services of the dynamic defender, including the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, and it is claimed that Loc Blancos are also among those interested in acquiring his services.
Real Madrid supposedly attempted to sign the Uruguayan back in 2018, but lost the race to Barcelona. However, if Barcelona fail to extend Araujo’s contract, they could prefer to sell him in the summer rather than lose him on a free transfer the following year.