Barcelona rule out move for Rudiger after Araujo agrees renewal

Barcelona rule out move for Rudiger after Araujo agrees renewal

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The Uruguayan will stay at Camp Nou after a breakthrough in talks this week

Ronald Araujo's contract renewal is a boost to Barcelona's sporting project. The club wanted to strengthen at the back with the signing of Andreas Christensen from Chelsea on a free transfer, too, but they will not sign Antonio Rudiger, who is also out of contract in the summer.

Rudiger was an option in the event that Araujo didn't renew, but with the Uruguayan extending his Camp Nou stay, a move for the German defender is now almost impossible.

Barça met with Rudiger's agent last week in the Catalan city. The centre-back is out of contract with Chelsea in the summer and the Premier League club are currently unable to do any business due to sanctions imposed related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine on them because they are owned by Roman Abramovich.

Rudiger has held talks with various clubs, but his demands are very high. He wanted a huge long-term deal at Barça in addition to a big signing on fee.

Barça listened to what his camp had to say and said they would weigh up their options, but it was all connected to Araujo's future. Barça made renewing the youngster a priority -- and he always wanted to stay. A meeting on Tuesday helped put the final pieces of an agreement in place.

If there are no changes, Barça will go into next season with Araujo, Pique, Christensen and Eric Garcia as their four first choice central defenders, so Mingueza, Umtiti and Lenglet will likely have to find new clubs.

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