Juventus plot Chelsea raid after shock Araujo twist

Tom Weber

Updated: 15 Jan 2025 10:14 CST
4 min read

The surprising twist in Ronald Araujo's future has seen Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, as well as former Blues man Fikayo Tomori, surge up the shortlist of Serie A giants Juventus.

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Earlier on Wednesday, news started filtering through from Spain that Barcelona had told Juventus that star defender Ronald Araujo was not for sale after the Italian side had spent the past week pushing for his signature.

Initially, Araujo was open to the move. As Fabrizio Romano pointed out earlier this week, Juventus found 'open doors' when they approached the Uruguay international.

However, Barcelona made it clear to the player that they want to keep him and the story has developed rapidly since, with Araujo even agreeing terms on a new contract with the Blaugrana after a talk with sporting director Deco.

Juventus had viewed Araujo as their priority target but will now be forced to shop elsewhere.

Juventus eye Disasi and Tomori

There are still several options on Juventus' shortlist. PSG outcast Milan Skriniar is determined to move this month, although his sizeable salary has so far proved a stumbling block to suitors. Feyenoord star David Hancko is another name who has been heavily linked with the Old Lady.

Additionally, the news of Araujo's rejection has catapulted Chelsea defender Axel Disasi onto the agenda. Juventus have been linked with the Frenchman, but according to CaughtOffside, neither they nor any other admirer has so far made an approach.

The outlet points out that this could now change, however, with Disasi all but guaranteed to leave Chelsea this month, having been dropped from the squad by Enzo Maresca to avoid a potential injury.

Besides Disasi, Juventus could also reignite their interest in former Blues defender Fikayo Tomori, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Rumours surrounding the England international went quiet when AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca was sacked and replaced by Sergio Conceicao.

But the Italian outlet reports that this 'trail' is now 'gaining momentum' again after the Araujo snub. Despite Conceicao bringing Tomori back into the fold, the idea of a sale is said to be viewed as 'tempting' by Milan.