United prepare shock mega bid for 25-yo who has made just three league appearances this term – report

Manchester United are prepared to spend big in their attempts to sign Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, as per reports.

Araujo has had a rollercoaster of a last 18 months at Camp Nou. He was regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Europe under Xavi, earning rave reviews for his pace and physicality.

However, persistent injury issues hampered his development and now the 25-year-old is seen as a squad player instead of a guaranteed starter under Hansi Flick.

The German has handed more regular opportunities to Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez, with Araujo managing just three La Liga appearances this term.

The Uruguayan even attracted interest from Juventus during the winter transfer window. Barcelona, however, raised many eyebrows by handing Araujo a new deal, tying him to the club until 2031.

Now, a report in Spain are suggesting United rate the player as much as Barca’s hierarchy, as they are plotting a big-money move for him.

According to Fichajes, the Premier League giants are willing to test the Catalan outfit’s resolve in the summer transfer window.

It is claimed United have a proposal of €100 million “ready to try to convince” the La Liga side to part ways with their defender.

The Blaugrana could reportedly open the door to negotiations for the Uruguay international if they receive an offer that is “too great to refuse.”

The Spanish outlet add that United want to strengthen their defence in the summer and see Araujo as the ideal “leader” for their backline.

Lisandro Martinez has undergone surgery on his torn anterior cruciate ligament and is expected to remain sidelined for the calendar year. As such, Amorim could certainly do with a new centre-back.

Having said that, United find themselves in a financial predicament due to the Premier League’s PSR restrictions. As such, we are skeptical Ineos would be willing to spend that much on a single player, not least on a defender who can’t get into Barcelona’s starting lineup.