Barcelona are looking to capitalise on the growing interest in Ronald Araujo, with plans to sell him as part of a financial reduction strategy.
After being set to leave during the summer, he was forced to stay due to an injury in the Copa America quarter-finals, and is not expected to return until January.
While the team is still doing well without him, the failure to renew his contract, which expires in 2026, increases the possibility of him leaving if a suitable offer is found, which would help improve the club’s financial situation.
According to information from El Nacional, Joan Laporta and Deco are aware that sacrificing Araujo, who was a disappointment last season, could open the way for a global star to be brought in at a reasonable cost.
The newspaper added that Barcelona are taking advantage of Manchester City’s interest in Araujo to include him in a swap deal for Erling Haaland, a key target for the club.
Given Robert Lewandowski’s age and the possibility of his departure at the end of his contract, it has become necessary to look for a replacement, and Haaland is the ideal option as the Norwegian player is one of the best strikers in the world, with records in the Premier League and the Champions League.
Laporta and Deco cannot pay Haaland’s release clause, but they are offering 50 million euros plus the services of Araujo. The question remains: will Manchester City agree to this deal?