New twist in the transfer market, Juventus have put a proposal on the table that leaves no one indifferent. The Italian side wants to take advantage of FC Barcelona's situation to sign one of the most sought-after center-backs in Europe. In its proposal, there's a big name that could tempt the blaugrana sporting management.
According to sources close to the Bianconero club, La Vecchia Signora would be willing to swap Dušan Vlahović for a defender Hansi Flick considered key. This is Ronald Araújo, one of Barça's pillars in recent seasons. Juve want to strengthen its defense with a powerful, high-profile player and see the Uruguayan as the ideal replacement for its backline.
Meanwhile, Barcelona need to strengthen its attack. Although it has young and promising talent, it's missing a proven "9" who can make a difference, that's where Dusan Vlahović comes in. The Serbian has been linked to the Catalan club several times and now returns to the scene with force. His signing, however, has always been outside Barça's financial limits, but with a swap, the story could change.
Moreover, if that's not enough, the Italian side is willing to let another of its players go in exchange. The identity is unknown, but everything indicates it would be one of its promising young talents.
Ronald Araujo on the horizon
The interest in Araújo isn't new. In previous transfer windows, clubs like Bayern Munich or Manchester United explored signing him. However, the defender has always shown his commitment to the club. Even so, the context has changed. Barça need to reduce its wage bill, bring in money, or find creative ways to strengthen its squad.
The blaugrana board are weighing pros and cons. Vlahović, despite not shining as much in Italy as was desired, keeps a great international reputation, is young, powerful, and scores goals. Exactly what Barcelona are looking for to complement Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Lewandowski, whose future remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Araújo still hasn't renewed and his camp doesn't rule out a change of scenery.
Juve proposes it
Moreover, the arrival of Hansi Flick to the blaugrana bench could alter hierarchies. The German coach wants a solid but also flexible defense. If Barça manage to sign another center-back, selling Araújo could be feasible. The club has already scouted several defenders who fit the new manager's preferences, and it's possible the operation could continue in parallel.
There's still no official response from Camp Nou offices, but the mere fact that Juventus have made this proposal confirms the real interest in the Uruguayan. From Italy, they'll push for the deal to be closed as soon as possible. They know they're not alone in the race for Araújo and want to get ahead of other European giants.
The operation would make sporting sense for both teams. Barça would get a top striker without a major outlay, Juve would strengthen its defensive line with a profile that's hard to find. Everything will depend on how negotiations progress and on the approval of the main players. Because neither Vlahović nor Araújo will move without clear sporting guarantees.