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Arsenal plan to hijack Euro giant’s deal to sign Araujo

By on January 11, 2025

Ronald Araujo in Barcelona Jersey

Arsenal are reportedly planning to hijack Juventus’s deal to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

After joining the Blaugrana back in 2018, the 25-year-old was initially assigned to play for the reserve team. Having displayed his qualities in Segunda División B, the Uruguayan was promoted to the first team and made his La Liga debut the following year.

Araujo managed to establish himself as a key player for the Catalan giants but injury problems have now forced him out of the squad. Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have been new manager, Hansi Flick’s preferred centre-back partnership this term.

It has widely been reported that Juventus have registered their interest in signing the South American. The defender has entered the final 18 months of his current contract and Barcelona are seemingly open to cashing-in on him amid their financial difficulties.

Araujo to Arsenal

Now, Fichajes state that Arsenal have also entered the race to sign Araujo and are preparing to hijack Juventus’s deal. The Bianconeri are still the frontrunners to seal the move but the Gunners are in a better financial situation than the Italian giants so if they submit a lucrative proposal to both Barcelona and Araujo, they would be able to purchase him.

Araujo, standing at 6ft 3in tall, is quick, strong, good in the air, excellent in defensive contributions and also reads the game well. He is a centre-back by traits but can also play in the right-back position.

The Uruguayan possesses the necessary attributes to flourish in the Premier League and considering Takehiro Tomiyasu has continued to struggle with fitness problems, signing a new defender to replace him would be the right decision.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a concrete approach to lure the Barcelona star to the Emirates Stadium in January or at the end of this season.

Meanwhile, following a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg midweek, Arsenal will face off against Manchester United in the FA Cup third-round fixture on Sunday before taking on Tottenham in the Premier League next week.