Why Man Utd have transfer edge on Arsenal for Araujo

James Shearman

• Updated: 16 Mar 2022 09:54 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly interested in Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.

Araujo has been a key member of Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona side which have been on an impressive run of form lately, but his contract expires in 2023.

La Blaugrana are looking to offer the Uruguayan a new deal, though there is no agreement in place as it stands.

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Should Barca fail to tie Araujo down to a new long-term contract, he is likely to be sold in this summer's transfer window.

United and Arsenal are said to be competing for the defender, just like they are fighting for fourth position in the Premier League.

However, unlike in the league table, Man Utd are leading the race to sign the 23-year-old.

Man Utd or Arsenal for Araujo?

Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League first knockout round on Tuesday, with a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Atletico Madrid.

And, despite not scoring in the second leg, the defence has been given most of the blame for their exit from Europe's elite competition - especially club captain Harry Maguire.

Indeed, the United hierarchy are looking to fix their defensive woes in this summer's transfer window, with Araujo high up on their shortlist.

According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, the Red Devils are prepared to offer the centre-back £6.7 million per year.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have submitted a contract proposal of £5m a year.

Perhaps this indicates less urgency from Mikel Arteta's side, given the excellent form they find themselves in.

The £50m addition of Ben White has exceeded expectations, part of a solid backline alongside Kieran Tierney, Gabriel and fellow new signing Takehiro Tomiyasu this season.

That said, Arteta's ambitions are to return the north London club to the pinnacle of the sport, not just into the top four, in which case squad depth is a necessity.

And, the Gunners remain firmly in contention for the signing of Araujo, regardless of the contract offer, with Champions League football a valuable selling point (assuming they hold on to fourth spot).