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Barcelona are preparing a squad revamp this summer and will be looking to buy and sell players with one eye set on ensuring that their financial situation gets better.
Heading into the summer, MARCA has claimed that Ronald Araujo could be one of those on their way out as the club is no longer convinced about his qualities, more so with the emergence of Pau Cubarsi.
Bayern Munich would be interested in signing the central defender, whose market value stands at €70 million, though the Blaugrana could charge more considering he is just 25.
The demands at a club like Barcelona are sky-high and unfortunately, Araujo has not met them, especially since the start of 2024.
His frustration got the better of him in the Spanish Super Cup final as he saw a red card against Real Madrid at the start of the year.
The ramifications of that suspension were not as costly as Xavi’s men were already trailing Los Blancos by three goals but the Uruguayan has not extensively improved thereon.
A similar mistake wickedly impacted the team’s fate in the Champions League quarter-final a few weeks ago against Paris Saint-Germain.
Araujo was sent off again, this time for a reckless challenge on Bradley Barcola despite Barça playing reasonably well and having command of the tie.
The team completely unraveled afterwards and PSG took full advantage of having an extra man to end the Catalans’ hopes of a sixth Champions League victory.
Doubts grow
Despite the problems, Xavi Hernandez continues to consider Araujo one of his best players and wishes to retain him at the club.
However, there are some within the Barcelona board who have grown concerned about his recent errors in big matches and would angle for a sale.
A contract offer has been tabled for the defender and he is yet to respond to it, with the club waiting for an answer. In case talks do not progress, the Uruguayan could be moved on.
Whether or not he is a Barcelona player next season remains to be seen, but Pau Cubarsi is going to extend his contract at the club, on a related note and in a news that will be accepted with open arms by the Culers.