Chelsea have reportedly made a ‘strong bid’ to sign Barcelona center-back Ronald Araujo. The Blues have targeted a number of defenders for their summer transfer window. There is growing speculation that Thomas Tuchel wants to reshape his squad for the next season. As a result, new signings will be made to go forward with the manager’s plan.
Chelsea were recently crowned the champions of the world after they lifted the Club World Cup. It was the only missing trophy from Chelsea’s cabinet. However, the Blues came close in winning the trophy back in 2012. But Corinthians handed a shock defeat to Chelsea and denied them their first-ever club world cup title. Thomas Tuchel has finally helped Chelsea clinch that one trophy and Roman Abramovich is set to heavily back him in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea want Araujo after his Barcelona breakthrough
Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo has attracted decent offers from across the top European clubs. Chelsea are the latest to pounce on. The Blues are in desperate need of defenders as they could face an exodus in that department in the summer. Antonio Rudiger, Andres Christensen, and Cesar Azpilicueta could all leave as their contracts are up by this summer. Therefore, the club is already planning for new defenders. Ronald Araujo is the latest player on Chelsea’s radar.
Araujo has been rock solid for Barcelona at the back. The Barcelona-B center-back since his promotion to the first-team has cemented his place in the starting eleven. Since making his debut in October 2019, Araujo has only seen an increase in his appearances for Barcelona. The defender has so far played 65 games for Barcelona, forming a solid partnership with club veteran Gerard Pique. In his 65 games, the Uruguayan has helped the Catalans keep 25 clean sheets.
His massive muscular physique allows Araujo to easily dominate and overpower the opponent. He has often displayed his qualities with super challenges and one-on-one tackles, as he has been only dribbled past 4 times in 26 appearances this season. But with only 3 yellow cards and no reds so far this season, his discipline is also quite admirable. Araujo clocks an 88.8% pass completion rate which is quite decent for a 22-year-old center-back. Araujo has only 18 months left on the Barcelona contract and talks of extension are undergoing. Reports are fresh that Chelsea have already made an offer for Araujo. The Blues are confident that they have made a substantial bid, but haven’t disclosed any details yet.
Chelsea to go on a shopping-spree in Spain
Araujo is not the only player wanted by Chelsea. Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is also high on their list, who almost became a Blues player last summer. Araujo and Kounde are in the same vein as far as their form for their respective clubs. Kounde, 23 has also established himself as a regular starter with Sevilla. Chelsea went for Kounde last summer and even agreed on personal terms with the player. However, Sevilla were clear with their stance of not selling Kounde. Moreover, Sevilla were reluctant to give in to Chelsea’s €50 million bid. Kounde has a market value of €70 million, and Sevilla have demanded an extra €10 million over it.
Meanwhile, Araujo’s release clause is also set at a whopping €200 million by Barcelona, who will certainly demand that amount if the center-back is to leave. A deal for both Araujo and Kounde looks difficult for Chelsea, who would be forced to choose between the two. Kounde looks more set to join the Londoners, as Araujo has repeatedly stated that he sees his future at Barcelona. But Chelsea will have to make a quick decision, as Manchester United have shown their interest in Araujo too. United too are planning massive signings and have set sights on Araujo to reinforce their weakest department: defense.
