Barcelona open to selling Ronald Araujo if he does not agree to contract renewal offer within May | OneFootball

The defence has really let Manchester United down this season with the Red Devils conceding three or more goals 14 times across all competitions.

The backline also shipped the second-most goals in this season’s Champions League group stages enroute to a humiliating last-place finish in an easy group.

Injuries have not helped with manager Erik ten Hag forced to tweak his back four almost every week while the Dutchman’s tactics have also let the whole team down.

New co-owners INEOS need to overhaul the department with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans set to become free agents while both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been linked with exits.

Defensive overhaul needed

If more than one centre-back end up leaving, there is a good chance that INEOS will also try to bring in a couple of centre-backs and one name gathering traction is Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo.

From being unsellable, the Catalan giants are said to be slowly warming to the idea of moving the Uruguayan on due to the need to raise capital in order to balance the books.

As per Spanish publication SPORT, the Camp Nou outfit have offered the 25-year-old a contract extension which includes a wage increase but not to the level of the highest earners in the squad as the club simply do not have the means to do so.

Joan Laporta wants to keep the defender who has, in the past, spoken about his desire to remain in Catalunya but Barca have given an ultimatum to the player’s camp: either agree to the renewal offer within May or risk getting sold.

“Barça’s clear intention is to renew him and the player prioritizes continuing although everything will be decided during this month of May.

“The Uruguayan must now respond to the Blaugrana proposal and, if there is no agreement, his transfer will be considered in one of the most important sales operations in recent years.”

Bayern Munich and United are potential suitors with the player unlikely to entertain any offers from Chelsea as per the report.

Barca considering Araujo sale

“Araujo and Barça want to put an end to this uncertainty before the player goes to the Copa América. If there is no agreement, the Blaugrana club would be in a position to place him on the market with the player’s consent.

“Bayern are waiting and Manchester United has already let the player’s entourage know that if there is a willingness to leave, they will present a formal offer.”

With Barcelona’s interest in Joshua Kimmich, Araujo could potentially be sent the other way while United are said to be ready to blow the Bavarian giants out of the water with their contract proposal.

Last time around, the defender had insisted that his agent ensure that he stays put. This time, things are not as certain. There is more than a glimmer of hope regarding a possible departure.

But can United stump up the requisite amount considering their own financial concerns? Paying over the odds for a centre-back while already needing an elite striker and midfielder could be a flawed approach. INEOS have quite the task on their hands!

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