Bayern Munich cool interest in €70 million-rated Barcelona star despite holding talks

Over the past few months, Barcelona defender and captain Ronald Araujo has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

The 25-year-old Uruguayan international was identified as a priority target by the Bavarians in January but nothing came of it. Heading into the summer, though, it was suggested that the German champions still saw him as a key target.

In fact, last week it was even reported that Bayern Munich were preparing an offer worth in excess of €80 million for Araujo.

At the same time, it was also reported that Barcelona might consider a sale if offers of around €100 million arrived, owing to the club’s financial situation.

Bayern no longer see Araujo as priority

However, as per the latest report from SPORT, Barcelona can breathe a sigh of relief as Bayern Munich have cooled down their interest in Araujo, whose market value stands at €70 million.

The report states that Bayern Munich need to reinforce other positions in the summer and Araujo will only be on the table again if they manage to sell one of their centre-backs.

The Bavarians firmly believed that they could sign Araujo with a big offer and a lucrative contract. In fact, they even held talks with the player as per the report.

Bayern cool their interest in Araujo. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

However, the centre-back made it abundantly clear that his priority was to continue at Barcelona and sign a new contract – an operation that could be tricky owing to the finances.

That, coupled with them prioritising other signings, Bayern have now cooled their interest in Araujo, at least for the time being.

Barcelona eager to tie Araujo down to a new deal

As mentioned earlier, Araujo is eager to sign a new contract at Barcelona, with the Catalans themselves keen on securing his long-term future.

The defender’s current contract runs until 2026 with a low salary and as such there is a need to improve his wages to reflect his status within the team.

Deco has held talks with his agents already, but the club’s limited salary cap makes things difficult.

Despite that, Barcelona hope to resolve his contract situation before the end of the season and ensure that Bayern have no room to make a move.

*Player valuation in title obtained from Transfermarkt.com on date of publication