According to reports from Spain, Barcelona have informed Manchester United and Chelsea that they demand over €100 million (£84.6 million) for Ronald Araujo.
Both Chelsea and United are looking to add a new central defender this summer, and the Uruguayan international is on their lists of potential signings.
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The Premier League clubs were hoping to take advantage of Barcelona’s financial difficulties, as the Spanish club needs to sell players to fund their own transfer pursuits, including Athletic Bilbao and Spain winger Nico Williams.
However, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are adamant about Araujo’s price and will not entertain offers below €100 million (£84.6 million).
The report also mentions that Chelsea, United, and Bayern Munich, who attempted to sign Araujo during the January transfer window, have all shown interest in the defender.
In March, Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, stated that the club prefers to keep Araujo, who is under contract until 2026.
‘I would renew him for life,’ Laporta said.
‘He’s a wonderful person. He is one of the best centre-backs at the club.’
When asked this week if he could guarantee that he would be playing for Barcelona next campaign, Araujo said: ‘I am 100 per cent focused on the Copa America.’
United have now shifted their focus to acquiring Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
The 24-year-old, who only started 16 Bundesliga matches last season, is reportedly interested in a transfer to United.
Bayern Munich are seeking a €50 million (£42 million) fee for De Ligt, who is presently with the Netherlands’ squad in preparation for their Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Turkey on Saturday.
