Manchester United are considering a daring transfer to add to their defense, however this is reliant on whether they secure Champions League qualification, which at this point appears to be improbable.
Reports from Spain state that, should The Red Devils not qualify for Champions League Football through the Premier League, they are prepared to make a bid for a Barcelona star should they qualify through Europa League victory.
The player they are targeting is thought to perfectly fit manager Ruben Amorim’s style of play, and he would add physicality, tactical intelligence, and competitiveness to their defence.
Manchester United have had a difficult campaign this year, which has seen them plummet to 15th in the Premier League, meaning there is a sense of urgency to refresh the defence.
The potential summer signing is considered the first brick in a new defensive project that Manchester United are willing to invest heavily in to restore status and competitiveness in the summer transfer window.
The centre-back in question is Ronald Araujo, the Uruguayan international who has caught Amorim’s eye, according to football365.
Barcelona’s rich array of centre-backs, including Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi, means they might consider letting Araujo depart this summer.
Concerns within Araujo’s camp about his lack of continuity last season have defined the player in terms of his overall ability.
Reports suggest that Manchester United would pay more than €70 million, while Barcelona has a relatively high buyout clause, which could make negotiations difficult.
Araujo’s abilities are certainly a ‘perfect fit’ for Amorim’s way of working, which makes him a key target.
If United secure Champions League football, and then wish to pursue this avenue, and complete this audacious move, it could change the course of history.
At this moment, Araujo resides on a wish-list, but should United tip the European scales, it then could be possible to capture the centre-back for a price that generally looked out of reach previously.
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