Barcelona have closed an agreement with Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan centre-back has renewed his contract with La Blaugrana and so the Catalan club have cooled their interest in Chelsea’s soon-to-be free agent Antonio Rudiger.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Barcelona are unlikely to pursue Rudiger as Andreas Christensen is lined up.
The news is a boost for Barcelona given how important Araujo has become. He’s a starting centre-back beside Gerard Pique.
Araujo’s contract had been set to expire in the summer of 2023 and negotiations had been dragging over his renewal.
Conversations were complicated by the fact that several Premier League clubs were interested in securing his services.
Araujo, 23, broke into the Barcelona first team at the beginning of last season and has gone on to make 73 appearances for them. He’s also earned nine caps for the Uruguayan national team.
Araujo joined Barcelona from Boston River back in 2018.
Barcelona have not made an official bid for Toni Rudiger, just direct contacts with his agents – it's now considered unlikely as Christensen will sign for Barça and Araújo will extend his contract, 100%. 🔴 #FCB
Ronald Araújo new deal is already sealed, release clause included. pic.twitter.com/erGdwfNCcu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2022
