Manchester City have been linked with Ronald Araujo in the recent past. Ever since Pep Guardiola was snapped with Araujo’s representative, Edmundo Kabchi, the rumors have been taken up a notch.
Araujo, 22, is one of the best players at Barcelona currently, if not the best. The Uruguayan defender has improved massively in the last two years and has transformed himself into a world-class defender. Though he has a long way to go, his rapid development has made him one to watch out for, in the future.
Despite enjoying a fruitful season last term, John Stones has not been able to play on a regular basis this time around, owing to poor form. His future at Etihad has come under doubt and so is Nathan Ake’s, who has been struggling for playtime for almost this entire season.
Ake has not been able to nail down a permanent spot in Guardiola’s XI and has been linked with a move away from the club next summer. With that said, as per Ekrem Knour, City are planning to make a €30 million bid for Ronald Araujo.
Araujo is currently negotiating a new contract with the Los Cules, with his current one set to expire in 2023. Barcelona want to keep him as they count on him for the future.
The player is expected to reach an agreement with Barca soon enough. The club is said to be planning to tie him down until 2027, like Pedri and Fati.
Araujo is currently one of the lowest earners at Barca and he is said to be demanding a pay-rise proportionate to his growth as a player. It is believed that he wants to earn similar to Pedri and Fati.
Barcelona are expected to step up their renewal offer and are said to be aware of the interest in the 22-year-old from Liverpool, Manchester United, and now Manchester City.
What can Araujo add to Manchester City?
Araujo, no doubt, will be a good buy for City. The question, however, arises, is he really the need of the hour for the Cityzens?
With City’s current priority said to be landing a proper number nine for next term, Araujo can wait.
Moreover, with the player not being guaranteed a permanent spot in Pep’s XI, he is likely to stay put at Camp Nou.
However, if City do decide to sign him anyway, there are more than a few good reasons why it would be a good decision.
First of all, Araujo would fit right into Pep Guardiola’s system and with his strong physical abilities, the Premier League would not be much of a challenge for him. His warrior-like mentality is an asset for any team and it is understandable why Barca want to keep this ‘gem’.
Araujo will simply increase the already-existent competition for a spot in the backline at City but it is not required at the moment. City should save up funds for signing Erling Haaland as the entire operation to land the Norweigan striker could cost up to €120 million.