Chelsea are reportedly keen on making a move for Manchester United’s long-term defensive target Ronald Araujo.
The Red Devils have held an interest in the player for over two years when they offered a significantly larger contract to him than Barcelona in the summer of 2022, but the Uruguayan instead decided to stay put.
However, Barcelona’s need to sell for financial issues and recent costly errors by the defender, such as the player’s red card against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter final, means that things are not so rosy anymore in Catalonia between the two parties.
There have been numerous reports as of late that United have already opened talks with Barcelona about purchasing the player and that the Mancunian side are so committed to the transfer that they would be willing to outbid fellow interested party, Bayern Munich, to seal the deal.
Whilst Barcelona would ideally like the defender to stay they know they can’t pay him what other clubs will, so if he does not respond positively to his new contract offer this month, he will likely be sold in the summer window.
However, as usual, United will not have all their own way in any deal.
GIVEMESPORT reveals that Premier League rivals Chelsea also harbour an interest in securing the player’s services for next season.
“Chelsea are starting to show interest in Ronald Araujo and will up the ante in the attempts to lure the Barcelona star to Stamford Bridge if it becomes clear that he is available at the right price when the transfer window reopens for business in the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.”
“The west Londoners will be firmly in the race to acquire his services if they are given indications that a summer move is a serious possibility.”
“The Blues are aware that it is incredibly rare for a defender of the 25-year-old’s calibre to become available, and it is understood that Pochettino does not want to miss out on the opportunity to strike a deal if ongoing doubts over his long-term future continue after the season reaches its climax.”
Chelsea seem that they might be a problem for United this upcoming window as not only could they conceivably take a European spot away from the Old Trafford side but they seem to also be interested in the same players.
The Peoples Person relayed last night that the Blues are also interested in United targets Michael Olise and Vitor Roque.
United will hope that if they do decide to make a move for Araujo, the club’s long-term admiration for the player will be noted and they will certainly hope they can at least finish above Chelsea in the league, to encourage potential recruits that they are a more attractive destination than the London side.
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