Man Utd fancied to sign 'spectacular' 25yo star, club want €80m before June 14 - report

Manchester United could swoop for the signature of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo in the coming weeks, according to Spanish publication Sport.

Araujo has been one of La Liga’s most consistent centre-backs, but he could head for the exit door with the Blaugrana aiming for a big-money departure.

Sport (page 16) claim that Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Araujo are players that the Blaugrana could consider for a summer sale.

However, De Jong, Lewandowski and Raphinha have revealed their desire to stay and Araujo is the most likely candidate to secure them valuable funds.

The Catalans are eyeing at least €80 million for a transfer. It is reported that United and Bayern Munich are on the prowl to sign the highly-rated star.

Barcelona prefer to part ways with Araujo before the start of Euro 2024 on June 14.

Araujo would be an ideal replacement for Varane

The Red Devils are preparing for a change in the heart of the defence. Raphael Varane’s contract expires on June 30 and there are no plans to prolong his stay.

The club are reluctant to trigger an extension clause due to his high wages while the hierarchy have not opened negotiations over a new deal with a pay-cut.

With his injury record, it appears the Red Devils have made the decision to release him.

Araujo would be an ideal successor to Varane. The 25-year-old has a passing accuracy of almost 90 per cent this season with 65 per cent of his duels won.

The Uruguayan has also registered 2.6 clearances and 4.2 ball recoveries per game. He is a right centre-back, but can also operate from the right-back role.

Looking at the drawbacks, Araujo also has the knack for picking up injuries like Varane. He has missed 68 games for club and country since the 2020/21 season.

Taking this into regard, United should avoid making a huge outlay for him.

First of all, we don’t see the club paying €80m without player sales, considering their financial status.

Even if funds are available, United shouldn’t pay more than €50m for his services this summer.

Araujo, who has been praised as ‘spectacular‘ by manager Xavi Hernandez, is also said to be keen on sorting out his future before reporting for Copa America duty.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com