Ronald Araujo's name has once again been placed at the epicenter of the European market. Despite his leadership in the locker room and his remarkable performance, the club is seriously considering his departure. The economic situation is pressing and Deco is willing to listen to offers for the Uruguayan defender.
This is not a sporting desire, but a structural necessity. Barça needs to free up wage mass and obtain liquidity before closing new signings. Araujo is one of the most valued assets by the continent's top clubs.
Ronald Araujo during a training session with Barça | @FCBarcelona
An unexpected proposal arrives from England
In recent hours, an alternative that wasn't on the table until very recently has gained traction. Discreet contacts have been initiated with the Barça board from the Premier League. The operation wouldn't be only financial, but also sporting, with a player exchange included.
Araujo is seen as the perfect solution to shore up a defense with gaps and a lack of leadership. The English club is offering a partial swap that would allow Barça to add immediate talent. A move that would solve two problems at once: income and reinforcements.
Ronald Araujo during a training session | @FCBarcelona
Barça's sporting management has conveyed the terms of the offer to Flick. The German coach doesn't oppose the sale if he receives players in return who fit his system. In fact, the proposal includes a profile that the club already tracked last summer.
Pending final adjustments to the figures, the negotiation revolves around a combined operation. The idea would be to close Araujo's transfer for a total market value of about €90 million. Part of that amount would come in the form of players.
Araújo in a match | @FCBarcelona
Two names on the table to close the deal
The first is Enzo Fernández, the Argentine midfielder who hasn't performed as desired in the Premier League. Despite his talent, his adaptation to English soccer has been irregular and Chelsea would be willing to include him as a bargaining chip. Deco and Flick see him as a potential pillar in midfield.
The London club knows that one name alone won't be enough to convince Barça. That's why they've put several center backs on the table: Axel Disasi or Benoît Badiashile. Either of them would be the complementary piece to complete the deal.
Hansi Flick has made his position clear: if Araujo leaves, a proven center back must arrive. The coach doesn't want to take risks with inexperienced profiles or those lacking competitive rhythm. He needs players ready to perform from day one.
In this regard, Disasi is the most convincing, due to his international experience and physical profile. Badiashile also offers interesting options, especially to strengthen the center back system. The final decision will depend on the overall package Deco manages to close.
Only one detail remains
Now everything depends on the British club, which hasn't yet taken the final step to formalize the operation. At Barça, they consider this a unique opportunity to close a strategic move without sacrificing too much. If there isn't real willingness to negotiate, the deal could fall through.
Meanwhile, Araujo hasn't shown any intention to force his departure. However, he's willing to listen if the sporting project convinces him. Everything is in Chelsea's hands, which has already made it known that Enzo plus one between Disasi or Badiashile could be enough to close the deal.
