Bayern Munich tried to strengthen the defense in the winter transfer window after failing to replace Benjamin Pavard in the summer. They had an offer rejected for Genoa’s Radu Dragusin. The Romanian defender preferred a move to Tottenham Hotspur over Bavaria. Bayern eventually went ahead with a stop-gap option with Eric Dier.
At the start of the winter window, Bayern were heavily linked with Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan defender was reportedly Die Roten’s top target in January. However, FC Barcelona had no plans to part ways with Araujo midway through the season. It looks like Rekordmeister are already working on a deal to sign Araujo in the summer.
According to Onze TV in Spain (via iMiaSanMia), Araujo’s representatives are already negotiating with Bayern for a summer transfer. The Bavarian club is ready to pay a significant fee for him, but not a crazy fee like €100 million. Bayern and Thomas Tuchel reportedly held talks with the player during the winter transfer window.
It remains to be seen if Barcelona are ready to part ways with the Uruguayan defender in the summer. Xavi Hernandez considered Araujo an important member of his squad. With the Spanish coach leaving Barcelona at the end of the season, Araujo’s departure may become a possibility. Moreover, the Spanish club’s financial problems are well documented. A big sale like Araujo may help them in balancing the books.
Araujo is a versatile defender. Along with playing in the heart of defense, Araujo can seamlessly slot in the right-back position. He is one of the finest young defenders in Europe. The Uruguayan defender has the pace and physicality to keep some of the best forwards quiet in the game. Araujo is also well-rounded on the ball, making him a quality modern-day center-back.
Despite Barcelona’s financial struggles, the 25-year-old defender will cost more than €50-60 million. It will be intriguing to see whether Bayern will sell one of their senior center-backs to make way for Araujo.
Die Roten are planning a squad overhaul in the summer. Araujo’s arrival will kickstart the overhaul in defense. The Bavarian club is looking to strengthen the midfield and attack after a disappointing Bundesliga campaign. Die Roten will also make a few tough decisions in the summer to raise funds for the overhaul. With Julian Nagelsmann deciding against a move to Bavaria, the club chiefs will look to complete the search for a new coach before pressing ahead with summer transfer deals.