Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick harassed his want to maintain centre-back Ronald Araujo amid sturdy switch rumours labelling the Uruguayan “probably the greatest defenders” in world soccer.
Araujo has missed the vast majority of Flick’s reign thus far after struggling a long-term damage throughout final summer time’s Copa America, solely making his first look beneath the German coach within the Copa del Rey victory over Barbastro at first of the brand new 12 months.
With Araujo’s contract expiring in 2026 and uncertainty rising over his future, Juventus and Arsenal have been strongly linked with the 25-year-old through the present January switch window.
Talks over a brand new cope with Barcelona have stalled, leaving the door ajar for potential suitors. Juventus and Arsenal are the golf equipment most excited about Araujo at current, however there are more likely to be others chasing the gifted defender.
Requested about Araujo’s future amid growing fears over an exit, Flick revealed his admiration for the Barcelona defender and expressed his want to maintain him in Catalonia.
“Once I began as a coach I noticed that there have been plenty of rumours,” the German boss admitted. “Ronald got here again from a horrible damage and is now match to play. He is an efficient possibility and he’s very skilled.
“I believe we’ve got sorted him very nicely. It’s not my job to speak about rumours, however I would like him in my crew. He is likely one of the finest defenders.”
In keeping with Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona aren’t excited about promoting Araujo this month however might be tempted by a bid that meets their reported valuation of €70m (£59m). In reality, they’ve already rebuffed Juventus’ opening provide for the centre-half.
The identical publication additionally revealed that Arsenal would have a bonus over their Italian rivals ought to Araujo determine to depart Barcelona, with the participant preferring a transfer to the Premier League.
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