Liverpool is said to be stepping up their chase of Barcelona’s central defender ahead of possible signings at the back of the team next season.
Liverpool is said to want 25-year-old Araujo as cover if Van Dijk departs, with Barcelona’s well-documented financial crisis a possible reason that they could let go of big assets in the summer.
According to footballfancast, the player is Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan international was among the Reds’ high-priority signings, with whom they want to have better insight into Van Dijk’s future as the Dutch central defender’s contract status hangs in the balance.
Araujo has been bedeviled by injuries this season, playing only 14 times across all competitions.
This limited playing time, added to the need for Barcelona to balance the books, could make the defender willing to start anew at Anfield.
Worthy of a fee of about £42 million, Araujo’s athleticism, leadership qualities, and high defensive line would suit Arne Slot’s system perfectly.
The deal would be a huge coup for Liverpool as they look to reinforce their defensive solidity and start afresh under their new manager.
For Barcelona, the sale of Araujo would be difficult, considering how essential he is to their defense, but their financial issues may force their hand.
Liverpool, on the other hand, must make grand statements in the transfer market if they are to take advantage of their recent Premier League win.
Negotiations at this time are in their early stages, but the coming weeks may be critical in ascertaining whether or not this giant of a transfer is on the cards, with both sides needing to reconcile their own sporting and financial priorities before agreeing on a transfer.
