Manchester United are reportedly set to battle Bayern Munich for the signing of Ronald Araujo in a bid to strengthen the defence.
Manchester United‘s defence has been on the ropes this season with a resurgent Harry Maguire the only man keeping it together. Lisandro Martinez has been injured since September while Raphael Varane has fallen out of Erik ten Hag‘s favour.
Meanwhile, other options in central defence have included the likes of 35-year-old Jonny Evans and the ever-disappointing Victor Lindelof. Then in recent games, Luke Shaw has filled in however he is too little too late and a rebuild is needed.
Varane already seems to have one foot out the door while United are consistently linked with making a move for a left-footed centre-back too, often taking the form of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Now, reports in Spain have emerged to point toward United making a move for Barcelona’s Uruguayan destroyer Ronald Araujo, who was linked to the club earlier in 2023.
Manchester United interested in Ronald Araujo
It’s no secret that United are keen to strengthen in defence with countless different names credited with interest which could see the Red Devils set for a busy January.
Now, Mundo Deportivo have suggested that Araujo is a name who is liked by United with the Old Trafford side said to be willing to double the Uruguayan international’s wage if he moves.
However, a deal won’t be easy to do, with Bayern Munich also heavily interested despite the player saying no to a January move to the Bavarian side.
Araujo would arrive as a pretty straightforward Varane replacement should the Frenchman be sold, and would probably find no issues with displacing Maguire also.
What is Ronaldo Araujo’s wage at Barcelona?
The Catalan side centre-half has been described as one of the ‘world’s best defenders‘ by his boss Xavi who knows a thing or two about what it takes to be world-class.
According to Capology, Araujo earns exactly £115,578k-a-week at the Nou Camp, which equates to roughly £6million-per-year which in itself is a hefty outgoing. His contract runs until 2026 which means with two years remaining, Barcelona would demand a big fee.
Atop of this, the report adds that United have offered to double his wage which would leave him on around £230k-a-week roughly at United which in fairness is within the club’s capabilities if £340k-a-week Varane is sold.
Araujo has a market value of around £85m however, which makes a deal feel quite unlikely given there are quality options which would cost a fraction of the price, such as Jean-Clair Todibo.
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