Transfer News: Liverpool join Chelsea in the race to sign Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo
According to transfer news on El Nacional (h/t The Metro), Liverpool are looking to beat Chelsea to the signing of Barcelona star Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan international is in the final two years of his contract and is yet to sign an extension. Araujo feels undervalued at the Spanish club as he is one of the lowest-paid members of the squad.
Chelsea are interested in signing the player. especially so given that Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen might depart at the end of the season.
But Liverpool are looking to beat them to the punch. The Reds are willing to double the 22-year-old’s current wages at Barcelona and guarantee him considerable game-time. The centre-back is not planning on forcing an exit, but Jurgen Klopp & co have apparently made a very attractive offer for his services.
Act fast!
The contract situation surrounding Rudiger and Christensen gets unnerving with every passing day. The duo would be eligible to talk to foreign clubs in January if they do not sign an extension at the Bridge by the end of this month.
Thus, we could lose two of our standout defenders by the end of the season for nothing. In such a scenario, signing Araujo could bode well for us. His age profile is ideal, and his contract situation could enable us to seal a deal for him.
The Blues will need to ensure that their offer for the defender is better than the one proposed by Liverpool. If the West London club manages to pip the Reds to major titles this season and guarantee the Barcelona ace substantial minutes, he might prefer to move to Stamford Bridge.
More Chelsea News
- Transfer News: Juventus contact Chelsea star Jorginho over a potential move to Turin
- Fabrizio Romano reveals Chelsea want Andreas Christensen to sign a new contract immediately
- Transfer News: Barcelona looking to seal a move for Chelsea veteran Cesar Azpilicueta
Roman Abramovich could always loosen his pockets to lure the centre-back with a lucrative offer. Hence, Chelsea can decide whether they want to pursue a deal for Araujo in the summer after gaining perspective on the futures of Rudiger and Christensen.