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Deco hints Barcelona are ready to offer Ronald Araujo a new contract

Deco hints Barcelona are ready to offer Araujo a new contract
© Reuters
Barcelona sporting director Deco says that the club will "make an effort" to keep hold of in-demand centre-back Ronald Araujo.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has said that the club will "make an effort" to keep hold of Ronald Araujo amid the ongoing speculation surrounding the centre-back's future at Camp Nou.

Araujo has again been a key player for Barcelona this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions, and he has a contract with the reigning La Liga champions until June 2026.

There is currently speculation surrounding the 25-year-old's future, though, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United both said to be keen to sign him during the summer transfer window.

A recent report claimed that Barcelona would listen to high offers for Araujo this summer due to their well-documented financial issues.

However, Deco has said that the club are determined to keep hold of the Uruguay international, and the sporting director hinted that a new contract will be offered in the near future.

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo walks off the pitch after receiving a red card by referee Javier Alberola Rojas on March 5, 2023© Reuters

"Araujo will renew, if he wants. We will make an effort because he deserves it. The club's effort is to keep what we have," Deco told Que T'hi Jugues.

The centre-back recently said that his future at Barcelona "depends on the club".

"My future depends on the club. Everyone knows that I am very happy here at Barca. And I'm very grateful to Xavi," Araujo told reporters after the recent Champions League last-16 second leg with Napoli.

Araujo made the move to Barcelona from Boston River in 2018, initially turning out for Barcelona B, representing the club's second team on 44 occasions in all competitions.

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo in action with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior on March 19, 2023© Reuters

The South American made six appearances for the first team during the 2019-20 campaign before being promoted to the senior side on a permanent basis for the 2020-21 season.

Araujo has now made 144 appearances for the Catalan outfit, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in the process.

Bayern are believed to have made an attempt to sign the defender during the January transfer window but were informed that he would not be allowed to leave in the middle of the season.

The Bundesliga giants are thought to be preparing to reignite their interest this summer, while Man United are said to be keen to bring him to Old Trafford.

Araujo is currently with the Uruguay squad preparing for the upcoming friendlies with the Basque County and Ivory Coast on March 23 and March 26 respectively.

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