Liverpool want Araujo as £34.6m Barcelona transfer news emerges
Liverpool have emerged as a contender for the signing of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.
The Reds only have Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as their senior centre-back options at the moment.
Joe Gomez is another that is on the books, but he was sent home from the Asian tour with injury, and it remains to be seen how long he will be out for.
Konate could leave next summer upon the expiry of his contract, so Arne Slot's side may be in the market for a new central defender.
Liverpool contenders for Araujo deal as Barcelona preference shared
Liverpool may need to replace Van Dijk and Konate in the near future and Araujo fits the bill, in terms of what they would be looking for.
A report from German outlet Sport Bild (31 July) claims that Barcelona are willing to let their vice-captain leave, as long as he does not go to Real Madrid.
It states that they would prefer to sell to an English club, and the Reds have already expressed an interest and would be willing to bid £34.6million to seal a deal.
Araujo would be a brilliant addition for Liverpool
The Uruguayan defender is one of the best in world football, and the 26-year-old would be a perfect addition to the Reds' backline.
Van Dijk's contract expires in 2027, and he will be 36 by then, so he may not be at the same level as he is right now.
The doubts over Konate's future, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain interested in the potential free agent, make a deal for Araujo, a no-brainer.
The 21-cap international has made 175 appearances for the Camp Nou outfit, and has plenty of Champions League experience, which would make a move to Anfield more appealing for the Premier League champions.
- Araujo has featured 119 times in La Liga for the Spanish giants
- He has 25 appearances in Europe's premier competition in his time in Catalonia
Given the reported price, if the Catalan giants are prepared to sell, Fenway Sports Group would be silly not to be in the mix for his signature.
Given the outlay that they have already spent, and their interest in Alexander Isak, a cheap deal for a superstar centre-back may be exactly what they are looking for.
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