Spanish giants prepared to sell 26-yo star for €60m, United first in line to get deal done – report

Manchester United have been told how much it could cost them to sign Barcelona star Ronald Araujo in the summer transfer window.

United are expected to address their backline at the end of the season despite spending over €100 million on signing Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt last summer.

Both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof will exit Old Trafford as free agents upon the expiration of their respective contracts. Meanwhile, question marks remain over the long term future of Harry Maguire.

Lisandro Martinez has struggled with injuries over the last two years and is unlikely to return to full fitness this year after undergoing surgery on his torn anterior cruciate ligament.

According to Fichajes, United have “shown the greatest interest” in signing Araujo.

The Uruguayan renewed his contract at Camp Nou until 2031 earlier this year but that hasn’t put an end to suggestions the player and the club could go their separate ways.

The 26-year-old is no longer an “untouchable” player at Barca, with Hansi Flick preferring the partnership of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez. Araujo has only made five LaLiga appearances this term.

Further, it is suggested that the Spanish giants are looking to bring in a new centre-back and are accordingly, prepared to listen to offers for the Uruguay international.

As per the Spanish outlet, Barcelona will consider selling Araujo if they receive a fee in the region of €60 million.

They add that United are willing to open negotiations with their Spanish counterparts in the summer to secure the central defender’s signature.

Araujo’s explosive pace could come in handy if Amorim tries to play with a high defensive line on a frequent basis.

Having said that, the Barcelona star, akin to Martinez, has suffered multiple injury setbacks in recent campaigns. As such, spending a big fee to acquire his services would make little sense for United.