Manchester United and Chelsea have reportedly made bids to sign Liverpool target Ronald Araujo, who is struggling to sign a new contract with FC Barcelona.
According to Marca, the Premier League duo have made ‘big offers’ for the Uruguay international, who has been linked with a move to England over the past few months as the defender struggles to renew his deal with the Catalan giants.
Araujo has been in sensational form this season for Barcelona and has been one of a few players at the club to benefit hugely from the financial crisis hitting the La Liga side, with the 22-year-old making a breakthrough into the first-team and cementing his place in the defence.
As a result of his good form, Barcelona are eager to sign the defender down to a new contract, however, it appears that United and Chelsea have now made offers for the South American, with Liverpool also chasing Araujo.
According to Sport, Liverpool hold an interest in Araujo, who has a release clause valued at a ridiculous £167m as per Football Espana, yet it is highly likely that Barcelona would accept a much lower fee for the Liverpool target.
Indeed, United and Chelsea’s strong interest in the defender could be a problem for Liverpool, who have been linked with Araujo for some time over the past few months, and the centre-back could make either Premier League rival a much stronger team.
United and Chelsea firmly in the lead to beat Liverpool to Araujo
With Thomas Tuchel’s side likely to Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta in the summer and Manchester United being Manchester United, Liverpool face a struggle to sign Araujo even before the bids came in based on their depth in centre-back.
The Merseyside have a deep pool in the position, and with United and Chelsea reportedly making offers for Araujo, Liverpool simply don’t stand in a good position to sign the promising South American defender.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
