How Barca's pursuit of Chelsea stars will help Man Utd sign key defender
FT Desk
- 4 Apr 2022 09:08 BST
- 5 min read
Manchester United will more than likely be on a desperate search for a new central defender this summer.
Not only will the club need to find better players to get them back into the top four and potentially a push for the Premier League title, but they may also need to replace some of the out-of-form stars at the club just now.
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As such, a new centre back seems top of the list of priorities and it seems as though the club have already earmarked one contender.
According to reports in Spain, the Old Trafford side already have their eyes on one particular talent from Barcelona.
Are Man Utd trying to sign Araujo?
Indeed, the English giants have turned their attention towards none other than Barca defender Ronald Araujo, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.
The Uruguay international has been an impressive performer under Xavi at the Camp Nou this season and is considered one of Barca’s most solid defenders.
However, Araujo has a contract that expires in 2023 and according to the Spanish publication, potential imports from England could push the defender into Man Utd’s arms.
Could he leave Barcelona?
It’s no secret that Barca have been heavily linked with no less than three Chelsea defenders over the past few months.
Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have all been rumoured to be on their way to Catalonia, where Barca had high hopes of potentially signing all three on free deals this summer.
However, despite Azpilicueta signing a new deal with Chelsea, Barca reportedly still have high hopes of signing Rudiger or Christensen, or potentially both. And that has apparently forced Araujo to consider his options.
As such, if Barca do complete the signing of either Chelsea star, Man Utd may be able to strike and convince Araujo to make the move to Old Trafford, where he may be afforded more game time next season.
