Arsenal is pursuing Ronald Araujo
It has been reported that Arsenal plans to "increase the stakes" for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, as they aim to outbid fellow interested party Juventus.
The Gunners are currently frequently linked with big-name stars. Given that they have finished second in the Premier League in both of the last two seasons and are currently in second place, they may need some more outstanding players to make a final push.
One of the names currently closely associated with them is Barcelona defender Araujo. According to Spanish reports, the Gunners have "decided to increase" their offer for the central defender.
Due to Juventus also "strictly bidding," it is said that Mikel Arteta does not want to "miss the opportunity to strengthen the defense."
As a result, it is reported that he is willing to offer 50 million euros (41.9 million pounds) to outbid Juventus' competitors.
Barcelona's financial difficulties are well-known, and it is believed that this proposal would be "hard to refuse." In fact, the La Liga giants were unable to register Dani Olmo in the second half of the season, but they could certainly do so if they sold Araujo.
Despite this, reports suggest that sporting director Deco "does not rule out" accepting Arsenal's offer for the defender (if there is one).
However, whether Araujo is willing to join Arsenal remains to be seen. The Uruguayan international started 21 games in La Liga last season, missing most other matches due to injury, and also started 8 games in the Champions League.
He may not receive the same treatment at Arsenal. The Gunners have two of the best center-backs in the Premier League: William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
In all competitions this season, Saliba has played over 2400 minutes, only missing one Premier League game and another due to being sent off, which cost him an hour of a Premier League game.
Gabriel has played over 2000 minutes this season, so it is unlikely that another center-back will break their partnership.
Araujo will surely be aware of this and may choose to stay in a place where he knows there are many opportunities to play football.