Krishnan Sreekumar
Transfer News: Manchester United receive boost in the race for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo
According to El Chiringuito (h/t Express), Manchester United have received a transfer boost in their chase to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, as the Premier League club has offered him a salary that is double of what Barca are prepared to pay.
The defender has been in excellent form for the Catalan club, playing an important part in marshalling the rearguard alongside veteran Gerard Pique. The Uruguayan has been a regular fixture for the side, which speaks volumes about his talent at his age.
The 22-year-old has caught the attention of United for his displays in Spain, with the Manchester club now prepared to chase the player’s signature at the end of the season to bolster their defence.
This season has seen our first-choice defensive pairing of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane turn out average performances, which has impacted the club as we lie in fourth place after being guilty of dropping precious points due to silly errors at the back.
Double the offer
The 22-year-old would make a fine addition at Old Trafford, with his age proving to be an advantage as the club look to sign a player who can provide his services in the long run. If he turns out to be a success in Manchester, he could achieve the same legendary status as Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic.
For now, though, the Red Devils seem to have the upper hand in signing the defender as United have offered Araujo a salary worth £8.3m. In comparison, Barca are only prepared to pay him £3.3m-a-year, which is less than half what the English side is offering.
United are expected to usher in a new era in the summer with the appointment of a new permanent manager along with some new signings to get the club back to where it belongs. Only the best in the business will do the trick for the Manchester side, and Araujo is certainly headed for the top if his displays in a Barca shirt are to go by.
With the Uruguayan running out of contract next season, the Catalan side risks losing him for free next term and could garner some money for him in the summer if they choose to sell him. It remains to be seen how this plays out, but if Araujo doesn’t renew his deal at Camp Nou, things could get interesting for United.
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Going by the summer we had, United can shell out the bucks when they really want a player. If we are offering Araujo more than double what Barca are willing to pay for him, we are no misers. A new experience awaits Araujo in the Premier League, and he could very well make a name for himself at Old Trafford if he keeps up his current form.
The pressure seems to be on Barcelona at the moment, with the La Liga side having to convince the defender that his future lies with them. We may need to play the waiting game until the summer to see what Araujo decides about his future career.
