Report: Liverpool have now made move to sign ‘extraordinary’ £66m star, just days after claims of Arsenal bid

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool now lead the race for Ronald Araujo as the Barcelona defender continues to run down his contract. The Reds face some competition, however.

This comes from Catalunya Radio. They believe that Liverpool are now the ‘most advanced’ club in the race for Ronald Araujo, having made a significant proposal to the player.

There’s no exact figure on that offer, only that it’s ‘multiple’ of what Barcelona offered as a new contract. Araujo has rejected two offers from his current club and his deal expires in 2023.

No agreement could well convince Barcelona to sell this summer – and that’s likely what Liverpool are hoping for. Not that they’re the only ones. Chelsea have made a similar offer, it seems, but sanctions on the club would prevent them from actually agreeing to anything right now.

Journalist Gerard Romero believes Arsenal are in the race, too, and that they made their own proposal recently. There is a figure on that one, though – £96k per week. Liverpool may well have offered more.

Liverpool want Ronald Araujo

Araujo is a fantastic defender and one Barcelona won’t want to lose. Xavi, for instance, labelled him ‘extraordinary’ earlier in the season – the club will do what they can to renew his deal.

It’s no wonder, then, that Liverpool see fantastic value here, then. Araujo is still only 23, after all, and potentially available at a large discount, should Barcelona cash in. We can’t imagine they’re in a position to risk the defender leaving on a free.

As for what Liverpool could do with him, there’s a long-term partnership with Ibrahima Konate waiting, should the Reds pull off a deal. That’s something that could secure the centre of defence for the relevant future.

Expect speculation to increase as we near the summer, then. Araujo is a potential steal and one Liverpool won’t want to pass up.