Transfer Centre

Ronald Araujo 'keen to stay at Barcelona despite Bayern Munich interest'

By Ben Sully | 24 December 2023

Araujo 'keen to stay at Barcelona despite Bayern interest'

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is reportedly keen to stay at the club in the January window despite attracting interest from Bayern Munich.

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is reportedly keen to stay with the La Liga champions amid interest from Bayern Munich.

Despite recruiting Kim Min-jae from Napoli in the summer, Bayern are still determined to bring in further defensive reinforcements in January.

In addition to Kim, Bayern's three other central defensive options include Matthijs de Ligt, Dayot Upamecano and Tarek Buchmann.

With the Bavarians looking to strengthen their backline, Barcelona's Araujo has emerged as a potential transfer target.

However, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Araujo has no intention of leaving Barcelona during the January transfer window.

Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel before the match on November 24, 2023 © Reuters

While Bayern would have been willing to pay a significant fee to sign him in the winter window, Araujo is keen to remain with the Catalan club.

Araujo played his part in a successful 2022-23 season, where Barcelona won the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup.

The defender has gone on to feature in 16 competitive games during the current campaign, and his role in the side has been reflected by the fact that he has captained the team on four occasions this term.

Although the Uruguayan has made his stance clear, Bayern are still holding onto a slim hope that they could strike a deal at the end of the season.

Uruguay's Ronald Araujo celebrates their second goal scored by Nicolas de la Cruz on October 17, 2023 © Reuters

The Barcelona defender is still believed to be high on the wishlist of Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel and the club's sporting director Christoph Freund.

Araujo is currently under contract until the summer of 2026 after signing a new deal with Xavi's side in April 2022.

In addition to the perennial German champions, the 24-year-old has also been linked with a move to Premier League giants Manchester United.

A recent report claimed that the Red Devils have offered Araujo the chance to double his current salary to complete a move to Old Trafford in 2024.

Araujo, who can play as a centre-back or on the right side of defence, has made a total of 129 appearances during his time with Barcelona.