Man Utd face crucial Ronald Araujo decision as Chelsea join race with ‘very strong’ offer

Man Utd v Southampton: Match in pics

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Manchester United have a decision to make over Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo following reports that Chelsea have made the defender a ‘very strong’ proposal. The Red Devils were believed to be leading the race for the Uruguayan, who is yet to commit to a new contract with the Spanish giants.

Barcelona manager Xavi recently declared that tying the 22-year-old down to a new deal was one of the club’s priorities as his contract saga continues to rumble on.

Talks over a new deal for Araujo reportedly began prior to the pandemic, however the centre-back is said to have rejected the La Liga side’s opening offer.

With the defender having entered the final 18 months of his current deal, Barca face a race against time to reach an agreement as a number of top teams from around Europe circle.

Reports in Spain had recently claimed United were in pole position to prise Araujo away from the Nou Camp, however they appear to have received a blow in their pursuit of the player.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

According to Marca, Premier League rivals Chelsea have upped their efforts to steal a march on the Red Devils having reportedly tabled the defender a ‘very strong’ offer.

Despite missing a month’s worth of action earlier in the campaign due to a hamstring injury, Araujo has been a mainstay in the heart of Barca’s defence alongside veteran Gerard Pique.

The Uruguayan joined the club’s famed La Masia academy from Boston River in his homeland back in 2018, before being promoted to the first team two years later.

Chelsea may well be forced to bolster their backline in the summer, given the uncertainty surrounding a number of their defensive options.

DON’T MISS

Arnold ready to bin off second Glazer policy at Man Utd

Kylian Mbappe could give Tottenham glorious transfer chance

Barcelona star De Jong ends Klopp transfer message

While Thiago Silva agreed a contract extension with the Blues at the beginning of last month, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are all yet to agree fresh terms.

With their contracts expiring at the end of this season, all three could depart Stamford Bridge for nothing in the summer, potentially leaving Thomas Tuchel with a defensive overhaul on his hands.

Araujo could prove to be part of the answer to Chelsea’s defensive dilemma should they manage to exploit the current indecision surrounding his Barca deal.

Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is another name who is reportedly attracting interest from the Blues, who would be forced into action if their trio of stars fail to commit to extensions.

With the likes of United and Chelsea said to be monitoring Araujo, Xavi recently reaffirmed the club’s stance that addressing the defender’s contract is a priority.

“He is a priority. We are happy with his performance because he gives us a lot. He is a centre-back that is realistic,” the Barcelona boss recently admitted.

“He is a person who is wanted from inside the dressing room and his renovation is prioritised.

“We are going to see if he and his representative get an agreement with the club.

“He is an important piece, of the present and future.”

Source: Read Full Article