Barcelona have informed €100 million defender’s agent the player is not for sale in a meeting today

Barcelona had a rather special meeting today at the club offices as the agent of Ronald Araujo met with the officials for, what has been described by reports, as a ‘long time’.

The timing of this meeting can be construed as rather interesting, to say the least. Firstly, Araujo been linked with an exit in the summer, with Barça obligated to sell some of their important players to raise money through sales.

But also, Araujo’s agent also represents Barcelona’s managerial target to replace Xavi, Roberto De Zerbi, that definitely brewed some speculation in the media about what the media could have been about.

Fortunately, SPORT have come out with a rather positive report about the meeting, claiming that Barcelona informed Araujo’s agent that they do not intend to sell the player in the summer transfer market.

They have deemed the Uruguayan to be an ‘untouchable’ member of the team, and they are not only counting for him next season, but also for the long-term as one of the leaders of the squad.

Barcelona ready to offer extension

Barcelona are very happy with Araujo’s role in the team, and want him to continue beyond his current contract, that expires in 2026. Negotiations between the two parties have already taken place with initial contacts.

Araujo is very happy at Barcelona, and is not thinking about the future right now. He is happy with the responsibility placed on him by the club as one of the captains.

Further, he has become a father for the second time, and is looking for some stability in his private life, and one of the pillars for it will be his continuity in the Catalan capital.

Bayern Munich looming

That said, Barcelona must beware of the interest lurking from several top clubs across Europe, led by Bayern Munich. Thomas Tuchel asked the Bavarians to sign him in the winter transfer window, but the move was understandably been deemed impossible as the Cataland did not want let him go.

Reports have stated that Bayern will be back with a formal, and probably improved offer for Araujo in the summer market, hoping to tempt Barcelona amidst their FFP issues.

It remains to be seen what happens eventually between these three parties, but if current reports are to be believed, Araujo’s future at the club seems secure.