Man Utd 'put pressure' on Barcelona by offering to DOUBLE star's wages

Tom Weber

• Updated: 28 Jun 2024 07:20 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United are prepared to double Ronald Araujo's wages, according to Spanish media.

The Barcelona centre-back continues to be the subject of speculation. The Blaugrana are desperately trying to raise funds and are willing to listen to offers for the majority of their squad.

Among the players Barcelona would consider selling for the right price is Araujo. Despite his importance to the side, the club hierarchy are ready to entertain offers, though they will have to be significant.

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It was previously claimed that Barcelona could demand as much as €100 million for the 25-year-old and this sizeable price tag reflects the fact that they would prefer to keep him.

In fact, Barcelona have been in talks with him over a new long-term contract, but so far little progress has been made. This has attracted the attention of other clubs.

Man Utd to pounce?

In January, Bayern Munich were heavily interested in Araujo and it was thought that they would be in for him again this summer. This hasn't materialised, however, due to the departure of Thomas Tuchel.

Instead, Sport claims that it is Man Utd who are trying to meddle in Barcelona's talks with Araujo. The Spanish outlet asserts that the Red Devils have informed Araujo that they would be willing to double his wages should he opt for a move away from Catalunya.

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Man Utd have reportedly been 'putting a lot of pressure' on Barcelona and Araujo but will refrain from taking any concrete steps until they get the green light from the player. It claimed that Erik ten Hag and company will 'go all out to sign him this summer' if he decides to reject Barcelona's contract proposal.

In that case, Barcelona will demand in excess of €75m for him, which casts some doubt on Man Utd's ability to sign him. The Red Devils are operating on a restricted budget and look increasingly likely to miss out on top target Jarrad Branthwaite, for whom Everton have been demanding over €80m.