Brake on Araujo's exit to Juventus

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Ronald Araujo
4.160.000€+100.000€-

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Ronald Araujo's future could take an unexpected turn in the coming hours. If the tests confirm the five weeks out for Iñigo Martínez due to a hamstring rupture in his right leg, the chances of the Uruguayan center-back leaving would be significantly reduced. It is worth mentioning that Araujo has an offer from Juventus to leave this January, but the club has always been very reluctant to accept a proposal below 50 million euros. With this premise, it was planned that the Barcelona and Juventus officials would meet this week to find a solution to the player's exit. The Turin-based club had Araujo's backing, as he was willing to leave the Catalan club since he was not satisfied with the figures offered for his renewal.

However, Iñigo's unexpected injury could force Barcelona to radically change its strategy. It is important to note that the Basque center-back will miss at least eight matches - five in La Liga (Getafe, Valencia, Alavés, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano), two in the Champions League (Benfica and Atalanta), and one in the Copa del Rey (Betis) - so Hansi Flick will have to rely on the available center-backs in the squad, who are currently only Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, and the aforementioned Araujo. The other theoretical center-back, Andreas Christensen, still does not have medical clearance, and he will not be a short-term option either after spending almost half a year out due to tendonitis.

Given this scenario, and considering Hansi Flick's statements, who highlighted Araujo as "a natural leader", it seems very unlikely that Barcelona will allow the departure of the Uruguayan defender. The German coach has never hidden that Araujo is ahead of Eric in his preferences, so, as of today, he would accept the departure of the Spaniard before that of Araujo.