For the past few years, Ronald Araujo has cemented his status as a permanent fixture and the defensive leader of this FC Barcelona outfit.
The Uruguayan international has grown leaps and bounds and established himself as one of the most reliable defenders going around in Europe.
However, a mistake against PSG, that ended up playing a huge role in Barcelona’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League, may well lead to his departure from the club.
Araujo no longer untouchable
Indeed, as per SPORT, Barcelona no longer regard Ronald Araujo as an ‘untouchable’ heading into the summer transfer window and are not averse to the idea of his departure.
By now, it is well-established that Barça need to make at least one major sale in the summer in order to achieve stable financial ground that would allow them to make their moves in the market.
A number of names have been considered as possible departees, but now Araujo is seen as the strongest candidate to leave in the summer.
The Uruguayan international is attracting a lot of interest, with Bayern Munich one among several of his admirers, and will fetch a good sum from his exit.
In fact, as per the report, Barcelona are convinced that they can get a transfer fee of more than €100 million for their third captain this summer.
Confidence in Pau Cubarsi
The report states that Barcelona have immense faith in breakthrough wonderkid Pau Cubarsi to take over the mantle of the defence for the future.
As such, the Blaugrana believe that signing an experienced defender for free or low cost to add to the current roster could make up for Araujo’s sale, which would fetch them a big fee.
Furthermore, his serious mistake in the game against PSG is also being held against the South American defender.
The report from SPORT adds that Araujo too might not be averse to the possibility of a move to a new club where he could get a lucrative contract.
Only time will tell how the situation evolves in the coming weeks.
