€100m Barcelona star speaks out on Man Utd links

Tom Weber

• Updated: 10 Jan 2024 18:38 GMT
• 3 min read

Ronald Araujo has addressed the transfer rumours linking him with a Barcelona departure.

The imperious Blaugrana centre-back is a sought-after commodity. Last month, it was revealed that Bayern greatly admire the Uruguayan and were plotting a spectacular January swoop. Head coach Thomas Tuchel and sporting director Christoph Freund even personally called Araujo to discuss a move.

It was asserted that Bayern were ready to pay whatever it takes to land the 24-year-old. This has now also been echoed by a report in Spain that claimed that the Bavarians were ready to shell out €100 million. However, it was already revealed last month that Araujo is prepared to snub Bayern and remain with Barcelona, who want him to sign a new deal.

As FootballTransfers explained in December, Araujo would be well advised to jump ship. Data experts SciSports believe that he would be the ideal centre-back for Bayern, though a move seems increasingly unrealistic at this stage, with Bayern targeting the more attainable Nordi Mukiele and Eric Dier as defensive reinforcements.

What did Araujo say?

In the summer, Araujo was also linked with a switch to Man Utd. The Red Devils were keen to strengthen their defence but ultimately couldn't muster the resources to pursue a high-profile centre-back. According to club legend Rio Ferdinand, Araujo would be perfect for Man Utd.

Now, the main man himself has spoken about the interest in his services, addressing both the current Bayern rumours and the previous Man Utd ones. Speaking ahead of Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Osasuna, Araujo dismissed the reports linking him with an exit from Catalunya.

"There are rumours about me in every transfer window," the 24-year-old said. "I’m focused on Barcelona, that’s all. I’m happy here... Last summer, there were rumours about me going to Man Utd. This is not a new situation. Despite all the talk, I’m focused here."