Journalist David Bernabeu has reported via SPORT that Barcelona are considering a swap deal involving their star defender Ronald Araujo and Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
“There could be an exchange with Araujo,” said the reporter in La Possession.
It is suggested that Araujo is currently working on renewing and extending his contract with Barcelona.
He has significant offers to consider, and his decision to leave might greatly impact the team’s upcoming signings.
For now, Barcelona’s main goal is to keep the defender, and the player himself wants to continue with the team. However, the final decision will be made in May.
The Uruguayan player now needs to evaluate the club’s proposal and if they cannot reach an agreement, his transfer may be part of one of the most notable sales in recent history.
Signing Kimmich would be difficult
After Xavi announced his continuity at Barcelona following a discussion with president Joan Laporta, both the coach and sports director Deco have started working together to prepare the team for the upcoming season.
Their goal is to help the squad strive for success in all competitions and for that, the manager believes Kimmich would be the key.
Kimmich, whose contract runs until 2025, has no specific termination clause, meaning that any club wishing to sign him must negotiate with Bayern.
Considering Bayern’s history, Barcelona understand that the German team won’t likely set an affordable price this summer. Instead of selling him cheaply, they might hold onto the player until his contract ends in 2025.
Will Barcelona sacrifice Araujo?
It is no secret that Barcelona plan to retain Araujo beyond the ongoing season and have proposed a contract renewal as well.
The club awaits a decision from their captain regarding the renewal, expecting him to respond in the current month.
The club is committed to keeping him, but they understand that the defender and his representatives might not be entirely satisfied with the renewal offer.
According to recent reports, Barcelona proposed extending Araujo’s contract until 2028 with a salary increase. However, the wages offered do not place him among the highest earners in the team.
This final offer has almost no room for negotiation, and even Laporta has intervened to persuade the player who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to staying at Camp Nou.
If this does not work out, Barcelona might as well use him in a swap as suggested by Bernabeu.
