Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has been at the centre of some transfer speculations in recent weeks, with German champions Bayern Munich going after the Uruguayan international.
Indeed, the Bavarian giants have been very keen on signing the 24-year-old as early as this upcoming January transfer window and have had contact with the player’s entourage over a move.
But, the message from both Barcelona and Araujo has been clear – the player is not looking for a move. Despite that, Die Roten’s manager Thomas Tuchel and director Christoph Freund continue to harbour hopes of a move.
January move a no-go
However, as per a report from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg (h/t iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich have been informed that there is simply no way that a January move is possible for Araujo.
As such, they have taken the Uruguayan international’s name off the table for the upcoming winter window.
But, the report adds that the record Bundesliga champions still have hope that they can snare the Uruguayan international away from Barcelona in the summer.
Barcelona want to hand Araujo a new contract
Barcelona tied down Araujo to a new contract until 2026 last year. But with his rising stature and role within the team – he is one of the four captains this season, and the continued interest in him, the Catalans are already looking to hand him another new deal.
While talks are yet to be opened, a new extension for the centre-back is seen as a priority and with the player himself happy at the club, Bayern Munichs slim hopes of signing him in the summer are likely to fade as well.
