Barcelona and Milan appear to be on the verge of one of the most exciting swap deals in recent years, in an unexpected move that could transform both teams next season. Both clubs are monitoring specific players in each other’s squads, and with these interests aligning, the possibility of a concrete agreement is closer than ever.
Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo, until recently considered a pillar of Barcelona’s defense, is going through one of the most challenging periods of his career at the Catalan club. He has lost his starting spot, and his performances have declined significantly, leading to criticism for repeated errors in crucial matches, most recently in the Champions League, where he was blamed for Barcelona’s European exit for the second consecutive season.
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Despite his recent contract renewal, Barcelona’s management, led by Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, is open to listening to offers, provided they meet the club’s minimum requirements.
AC Milan has shown serious interest in signing Araújo, viewing him as the ideal defender to bolster their backline. Despite his recent inconsistency, the Rossoneri remain confident in his ability to return to top form, although they are reportedly unwilling to meet Barcelona’s €60 million asking price as a starting point.
According to Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Milan is considering an alternative approach to reduce the cost by including Portuguese player Rafael Leão in a potential swap deal. Despite his considerable talent, Leão has not met expectations at San Siro this season, due to both inconsistent performances and off-field behavior, prompting the club to consider selling him this summer.
The Portuguese winger has long been a target for Barcelona, but the high asking price, exceeding €100 million, has always been an obstacle to any deal. However, with the recent involvement of his agent, Jorge Mendes, Leão’s name has resurfaced as Barcelona sees him as a valuable attacking addition.
Given the relatively similar market values of both players, a direct swap with no additional financial commitments appears to be a strong possibility. This idea is not being ruled out by the Catalan side, since Laporta and Deco are exploring all possible scenarios to strengthen the squad without compromising financial stability.
If an agreement is reached, the Leão–Araújo swap deal could become one of the standout moves of the summer transfer window, due to its technical and strategic significance for both clubs.
