Araujo, 25 years old, once considered a strong contender for the future captain of Barcelona. However, the Uruguayan central defender has not been lucky. Besides long-term injuries, Araujo does not receive the trust of coach Flick. On January 10th, "Mundo Deportivo" revealed that Araujo is considering leaving, with Barcelona pricing him between 60 million and 70 million euros.
As the vice-captain of Barcelona, Araujo possesses all the qualities to become a top defender: he is 1.92 meters tall, technically proficient, excellent in physical confrontations, and strong in speed and explosiveness. However, Araujo's biggest problem is excessive injuries. Last summer, Araujo was injured and out of action for nearly half a year. After his return, Araujo found that everything had changed.
Coach Flick of Barcelona has already determined the main central defender pairing: Kounde and Inigo Martinez. Araujo returned, but in two La Liga matches and the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup, he was benched. It was only in the third round of the King's Cup against Bawastro, a "lower-level" match, that Araujo started.
Araujo is very disappointed with his situation. "Mundo Deportivo" revealed that Araujo's agent Espinosa received some offers. "In January, Araujo received several offers, including one from Juventus. However, Araujo has not yet made a decision."
Araujo's contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2026, and Barcelona hopes to renew the Uruguayan defender's contract, but the club's offer did not satisfy the player, and the progress of the renewal has been slow. Barcelona is willing to sell Araujo - this summer, Barcelona has the hope to sign Leverkusen central defender Tah for free, with sufficient personnel on the defensive line, and the loss of Araujo is not significant.
Spanish channel 6 revealed that due to Araujo not responding to Barcelona's renewal offer, Barcelona is pushing the player into the transfer market. For Araujo, Barcelona's asking price is between 60 million and 70 million euros.
It is obvious that Juventus cannot directly spend 60 million to bring in Araujo. According to Catalunya Radio, Barcelona and Juventus are negotiating a loan-to-buy deal: a half-year loan for 5 million euros, a buyout fee of 20 million, and a floating bonus of 5 million. Juventus believes that 30 million is enough to secure Araujo. Currently, the negotiation progress is still ongoing. In addition to Juventus, Arsenal is also a potential buyer.