Alarm bells at Barcelona after Chelsea's offer to Ronald Araujo
The Uruguayan centre-back has a deal which expires in 2023 and there are plenty of interested clubs
Barcelona have to accelerate with their contract renewals now the winter window has closed. They will speak with Araujo and Gavi in the coming days and more calmly with Sergi Roberto.
The most worrying situation is Araujo’s, who has had contact with various Premier League clubs, including Chelsea in the Premier League. The London side has made a movement to sign him this summer with a big offer that would see him replace Antonio Rudiger if the German does not sign a new deal.
Araujo started to speak about his renewal in the summer but the club first settled Pedri and Ansu Fati’s deals. In January they offered him on a salary around three millions euros a year for five seasons, a number far lower than agreed with Pedri and Ansu.
Araujo’s people did not accept the proposal, which is also below what Barcelona’s new signings will earn. The Uruguayan is a key player in the defence and wants to be valued as such.
He is not asking for the numbers of the veterans, even though he has a bigger role, but at least to equal the other recent renewals, which he considers fair.
In recent months, Araujo has received interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. However he wants to stay, if the club pay him reasonably.
Chelsea have told him they can double what Barcelona have offered and now the Catalans have to improve their offer if they want to secure the future of one of their defensive bastions.
