Ronald Araújo has become a headache for FC Barcelona's sporting management. The Uruguayan center-back, who just a few months ago was considered untouchable, now finds himself on the market without any club willing to meet Joan Laporta's financial demands. The blaugrana president is quite concerned about the registration situation and needs to sell.
The blaugrana club expected to bring in between €60 and €70 million ($65 million and $76 million) from his transfer, a figure that so far no one has been willing to pay. Not even the €50 million ($54 million) that was considered a negotiable minimum has been reached. The market has turned its back on a deal that was believed to be simple at Camp Nou.
The reality is clear: the offers that have arrived don't exceed €35 million ($38 million), neither clubs from the Premier League nor Bayern, which once showed interest. The Bavarians haven't taken the final step. The situation is causing concern, since Barça needs to free up wage bill and generate income before the market closes.
Araújo doesn't leave
One of the latest to show interest has been Atlético de Madrid, Simeone has given the green light to the possible arrival of Araújo. The coach is convinced that his profile would fit perfectly in the Colchonero defensive system. The Argentine is an admirer of the Uruguayan and would be delighted to have him in his squad.
However, from the offices at Camp Nou the response has been blunt. Joan Laporta doesn't even want to hear about strengthening Atlético, much less with a top-level player who could still perform at the top for several seasons. The rivalry between both clubs, along with the experience with Luis Suárez, weighs heavily in the decision-making process.
Simeone keeps waiting
Joan Laporta believes that handing Ronald Araújo to the Rojiblanco side would be a strategic mistake, and has completely closed the door to any kind of negotiation with the Madrid club. Even if Atlético approached €40 million ($43 million), the refusal would remain.
Meanwhile, the player keeps silent and waits for a resolution that will define his future. Barcelona needs to sell, but not at any price or to any rival. The situation gets more complicated as days go by and time is running out.
Ronald Araújo, called to lead the blaugrana defense for years, could leave this summer. But as of today, no one is willing to pay what Barça is asking. The worst for Laporta: Simeone is still lurking and sees him alongside Giménez and Le Normand, the difficulties in signing Cuti Romero have made him look at Araújo.