Premier League side Aston Villa have been linked with a surprise move for Ronald Araujo after securing fourth place in the table and a Champions League spot for next season.
Diario Sport are reporting that manager Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi had already warned Barca they would move for Araujo if they secured a place in Europe’s premier club competition.
That dream has now come true and Villa may go on to make a formal offer to Barcelona for their Uruguayan defender. Emery’s side plan to sell Diego Carlos first to free up some space for Araujo.
Villa doesn’t seem an obvious choice for Araujo but there’s no doubt that Emery has done a fine job at Villa Park this season. His team beat Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle to fourth spot and made it to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.
Araujo has said he’s happy at Barcelona but speculation continues to swirl due to the club’s ongoing financial situation and the fact the Catalans have a host of other center-back options.
