After enduring a torrid start to the season, Barcelona are currently enjoying a resurgence under Xavi, with the Spanish giants vastly improving under their young coach and promising players. Unfortunately, one of those talented young players who has established himself at the Camp Nou could depart this summer.
That man is none other than Ronald Araujo, the highly-rated center-back who is currently playing alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the Blaugrana's defense. The Uruguayan ace has shown his worth to the club this season and while the Catalan giants wish to keep him at the Camp Nou, Marca report that the Liga heavyweights are open to the idea of his departure this summer.
There are a few reasons to this. The biggest factor is his contract, with the defender's current deal running out in 2023. This means Araujo will enter the final year of his contract this summer, leaving Joan Laporta and Co. with a dilemma: sell him if he doesn't extend or risk losing him for nothing in a year's time.
Negotiations have begun with the 23-year-old as the club see him as an essential member of the team, both now and for the future. Nonetheless, the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United are following the situation and should they make an irresistible offer for a defender who is yet to commit to Barcelona, then he could end up being sold.
Laporta has shown time and time again that he will not compromise the club's future for any individual. The departures of both Lionel Messi and Ilaix Moriba to PSG and RB Leipzig, respectively, attest tot his. Will Araujo push for an exit or make exuberant demands? This is unclear at the moment, but what is undeniable is his quality, hence why the Camp Nou executives and fans prefer to see him remain on board.
