Serie A club to explore permanent deal or a loan with obligation to sign Barcelona's Ronald Araujo: Reports
Serie A side Juventus are reportedly keen on signing Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo on a permanent or a loan deal with an obligation to buy. The Catalan giants have been aware of their strong interest since last week.
Ronald Araujo was sidelined for the first half of the current season owing to a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old was out since July 2024 and returned to the starting XI during Barcelona's 4-0 demolition of Barbastro in the Copa del Rey on January 4.
The Uruguayan has made 151 appearances for the club across competitions since arriving in 2020. However, he no longer appears indispensable for Barca, as the LaLiga giants now rely on the centre-back pairing of Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi.
In 107 appearances for Barcelona in LaLiga, Ronald Araujo has helped keep 48 clean sheets. He is also one of the Blaugrana captains. However, recent reports have hinted that the centre-back is considering an exit from the club owing to a lack of opportunities since his return from injury.
According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Juventus are keen on signing Ronald Araujo during the ongoing winter transfer window. The Italian giants are looking for a permanent transfer or a loan deal with an obligation to buy. They will not consider a straight loan deal or an option to buy.
Barcelona are reportedly aware of Juve's interest and talks are set to take place after the Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup) final. La Blaugrana will face Real Madrid in the final on Sunday (January 12).
Barcelona are eyeing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on a loan deal: Reports
According to SPORT journalist Toni Juanmarti, Barcelona will go all out to secure Marcus Rashford's services on a loan deal until the end of the current season. Sporting director Deco is already studying the viability of the option.
However, the Catalans will face competition, as multiple European giants such as Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan are also in the race. Rashford has been sidelined at Manchester United since the arrival of new coach Ruben Amorim.
The Englishman has played only 1500 minutes for the Red Devils this season over 24 appearances in which he has contributed seven goals and three assists. Given that Rashford is no longer indispensable for Manchester United, Barcelona and other interested parties are keen on taking advantage of the matter.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano (h/t SPORT) reported earlier that Marcus Rashford was looking to join Barca if he were to leave Man United. Although the Red Devils were reportedly keen on letting the English leave for less than €40 million, his high salary (a reported €17 million annually) was a problem for the Catalans owing to their difficult financial situation.
However, things seem better at Barca after they secured the registration of summer signings Dani Olmo and Pau Victor this week. It remains to be seen if they can secure Rashford's services in January to bolster their attack.
