Manchester United have reportedly become the frontrunners to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo as a result of the sanctions levied on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic.
Araujo has become a lucrative possibility for the Red Devils as his contract with the Blaugrana expires next summer. Chelsea, United's rivals, were reportedly interested in the player's services (via Sport), but the sanctions have pushed them out of competition.
The Blues are unable to sign any players until further notice due to the sanctions placed on them. Chelsea will not be able to sign Araujo from the Blaugrana unless something changes before the summer. United's pursuit of the player has apparently gotten a boost as a result of their misfortune. United is in communication with the player and his agents, according to Sport Witness. They want to either pay a price to sign him this summer or have him for free next year. Their offer, however, has yet to be made public.
The proverbial ball is in Araujo's court right now. What he decides will be fascinating to watch.
Barcelona's renewal offer irritates Manchester United's target.
Ronald Araujo, a Barcelona centre-back, has wowed with his outstanding performances this season, becoming as one of Xavi's first choices on the team sheet. Araujo has not only been a rock-solid defender, but he has also proven to be a handful in the opposition's box. Araujo has three goals in 21 La Liga games, exciting the Barcelona fans.
A team seeking prominence in Spain and Europe would be wise to keep a player of his calibre. The Blaugrana have reportedly attempted to persuade the star to sign a contract extension but have so far come up against a brick wall. He is one of the club's lowest-paid players, earning less than €1 million a year. The 23-year-old is reportedly upset with Barcelona's current pay (€3 million), according to Sport Witness. Araujo wants to be compensated in the same way that other first-team players are. The Blaugrana claim they are unable to meet his requests due to a lack of funds, although they are providing lucrative contracts to free agents.
Given Araujo's outstanding performance this season, Barcelona would be prudent to offer him a hefty contract. Binding him to a long-term contract would ensure not only their present, but also their future.
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