Bayern Munich 'willing to pay more than £60m for Ronald Araujo'

Bayern Munich are reportedly willing to pay in excess of €70m (£60m) for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo during this summer's transfer window.

Araujo's future has recently been the subject of speculation, with Bayern believed to have identified him as their leading target in the middle of the defence.

The Uruguay international signed a new long-term deal at Barcelona in April 2022, with his contract due to run until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

There had been suggestions that the release clause in his deal was between €80m (£68.9m) and €100m (£86.1m), but it is understood that is not the case.

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern have made it clear that they are willing to pay in excess of €70m (£60m) to secure his services during the January market.

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Plettenberg, though, claims that the Bundesliga champions have been told that even an offer of €80m (£68.9m) would not be accepted by Barcelona in the winter market.

Bayern allegedly believe that bringing in Araujo would have a similar impact on the team's defence as Harry Kane has had on the attacking part of the side.

The Munich outfit's head coach Thomas Tuchel is said to be desperate to bring in the Uruguayan, while sporting director Christoph Freund also views him as the ideal signing.

Araujo made the move to Barcelona from Boston River in 2018, and he has made 130 appearances for the Spanish champions in all competitions, including 31 outings last term.

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The defender has again been a vital player for the Camp Nou outfit this season, scoring once in 17 appearances in all competitions.

Araujo has won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during his time at Barcelona, while the Catalan side are active in four competitions this season.

Barcelona could be forced to make a big sale this year due to their financial problems, and a big-money exit for Araujo would allow the Catalan side to make some important signings this summer, including permanent deals for Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo from Atletico Madrid and Manchester City respectively.

Eric Dier is also being heavily linked with a move to Bayern, and it is thought that the defender will arrive from Tottenham Hotspur if a deal for Araujo cannot be agreed, with Barcelona not expected to sanction an exit unless an astronomical offer arrives.