Barcelona have begun talks with Ronald Araujo over signing a new contract, but offered the reported Liverpool and Everton transfer target just half the salary the defender requested.
That’s according to Sport, who note Blaugrana CEO Mateu Alemany has opened talks with the centre-half’s agent. He had neglected Araujo’s situation while prioritising deals for Ansu Fati and Pedri. But he believes it is now time to resolve the Uruguayan’s Camp Nou future.
Araujo’s current deal, worth just €900k-a-year (£14.5k-a/w), is set to expire next year. Yet he is fast becoming the leader of the Catalan’s backline and is an indisputable part of Xavi Hernandez’s plans. The club also expect he will be a benchmark for many years to come.
However, by delaying talks, Alemany must now reflect Araujo’s increased status in his new deal. The 22-year-old is not demanding Barcelona make him one of the La Liga giant’s top-earners, but wants the club to show the same faith they put in Fati and Pedri in his terms.
Araujo believes he deserves a pay rise to around €6m-a-year (£96k-a/w). Yet Alemany only suggested about half the figure during preliminary talks with the defender’s representative.
The five-cap international will not renew at €3m-a-year (£48k-a/w), and talks will continue this week. Araujo also hopes Barcelona make him an official offer for a new contract closer to his expectations soon. But negotiations over the terms of his new deal will not be easy.
Barcelona aware Liverpool want Everton transfer target Araujo
Araujo is aware that while Alemany is debating his new contract, Barcelona are also looking to sign another centre-back. They could also arrive on a wage far exceeding his new salary.
His representatives can use interest from the Premier League to convince Alemany to offer better terms. Araujo’s agent has been upfront with Barcelona that Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United would be willing to pursue a transfer if he does not sign a new contract.
Araujo currently has no interest in considering transfers away from Barcelona amid interest from Liverpool, plus Merseyside rivals Everton. The Athletic reported earlier this month the Toffees are one of several sides happy to offer him ‘much better’ terms than Alemany can.
Liverpool and Everton will hope Alemany does not offer their transfer target, Araujo, a new Barcelona contract matching his demands. His deal expiring in 2023 will surely reduce his valuation this summer from the $90m (£66m) that CBS claim the Blaugrana currently want.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez could yet play a key factor in discussions, however. The Camp Nou icon has stated, via quotes by Samuel Marsden, his desire for Araujo’s new deal.
“Yes, it’s a priority to renew Araujo’s deal,” Xavi said. “You can see he’s an important player for me, for the team. Extraordinary defender. Very important we reach an agreement quickly. He’s a player for the present and the future.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
