Ronald Araujo insists that he plans to stay at La Liga giants Barcelona for ‘many years’ despite reported interest from Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool, speaking to Sport.
Xavi Hernandez certainly hasn’t been afraid to make his feelings clear since replacing Ronald Koeman in the Camp Nou hotseat.
In his first press conference as Barca coach, Xavi immediately went public with his desire to keep Ousmane Dembele in Catalonia, warning his new bosses that renewing the Frenchman’s contract was a ‘priority for me’.
Dembele is not the only in-form Barca player facing an uncertain future heading into the summer transfer window.
Wonderkid Gavi and centre-back colossus Araujo will be free-agents in 2023 – a problem that Xavi is determined to address as Premier League suitors make their interest known.
“Gavi and Araujo are very important to us for the future,” says the 2010 World Cup winner. “Barcelona cannot allow them to leave. I want to think that both of them will renew their contract.”
Is Ronald Araujo leaving Barcelona for Liverpool or Arsenal?
Fortunately for Xavi, it seems he and Araujo are on the same page. According to ESPN, the spring-heeled Uruguayan has admirers at Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have reportedly offered Araujo a £100,000-a-week deal at the Emirates (Gerard Romero).
But while it remains to be seen whether a cash-strapped Barcelona side can meet Araujo’s wage demands, the defender’s desire to stay put should, in theory, make the challenge of agreeing a new deal that little bit easier.
“I optimistic about renewing my contract,” says Araujo, arguably Barcelona’s most in-form centre-back and scorer of four goals in 23 La Liga games, including a bullet header in March’s 4-0 thumping of Real Madrid.
“I want to resolve it quickly to stay for many years. I am happy here with the affection of the fans.”
According to The Athletic, Araujo is in line for a substantial pay rise on the back of a rapid rise at Barcelona. Everton were reportedly interested in January and, after another weekend to forget for the much-maligned Michael Keane, a centre-half of his potential and class would be welcomed with open arms at Goodison Park.
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