Manchester United are prepared to make a formal offer to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo if he decides to leave this summer, according to Sport.
The Uruguay international has two years left on his contract with the Catalan giants. The hierarchy are keen on prolonging his stay for another 24 months.
However, the Blaugrana are unable to provide a ‘top-level’ salary amid their financial constraints. There are clubs willing to double Araujo’s wages this summer.
Araujo previously turned down United in 2022 to pen a new contract, but Sport (page 2) claim that the Red Devils continue to remain interested in signing him.
United have ‘already informed’ the player’s entourage that they will ‘submit a formal offer’ if there is a willingness to leave during the next transfer window.
The Red Devils are not alone in the pursuit of Araujo as Bayern Munich probed the possibility of signing the Uruguayan defender at the beginning of the year.
The German outfit are aware of Barcelona’s long-term interest in Joshua Kimmich. Bayern are open to discussing his exit as long as Araujo moves the other way.
Araujo wants to sort out his club future before the start of the Copa America.
United’s chances of signing Araujo depends on the price
United are currently preparing for the departure of Raphael Varane on a free transfer.
The Frenchman is one of their highest earners and as things stand, the hierarchy have decided against triggering an extension clause to keep him for another year.
Unless the World Cup winner accepts a substantial pay-cut on his £340,000-a-week salary, he could leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June.
Araujo would be a quality replacement with his strong ball-playing ability. He is also excellent when it comes to aerial challenges and likes to clear his lines.
The centre-back is currently valued at £60 million by Transfermarkt, but it has been reported that the Blaugrana are eyeing close to £80m to sanction his exit.
It seems unlikely that the Red Devils will afford such a huge outlay on the 25-year-old after missing out on qualification for next season’s Champions League.
The other concern could be Bayern’s presence. A swap deal involving Kimmich could be more suitable for Barcelona with manager Xavi craving for an elite defensive midfielder.
Hence, a summer deal for Araujo could be difficult to pull off for United. The club are unlikely to pay over the odds under the new management controlled by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com
