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Manchester United are prepared to beat Bayern Munich in a bidding war for Barcelona star Ronald Araujo.
The defence at Old Trafford has been a source of weakness and frustration all season long, with their inability to keep out 19th-placed Burnley costing them a crucial win in the race for Champions League football on Saturday.
With those European hopes all but gone, fans can only reflect on what could have been if the defence had been able to show more solidity. Time and time again this season leads have been lost and advantages thrown away.
Since the return of club football after the international break, United have lost leads against Brentford, Chelsea, Liverpool and Burnley in the league and, infamously, blew a three goal advantage against Coventry at Wembley in the FA Cup.
Accordingly, INEOS plan to bolster the defensive department this summer transfer window with names like Jarrad Branthwaite, Gleison Bremer and Jean-Clair Todibo all regularly discussed in the press as potential options. However, another long-term target – Araujo – has recently made his way back into the picture.
The Red Devils were desperate to land the Uruguayan two years ago, before he eventually opted to sign a new contract with Barcelona. Nonetheless, the club’s economic situation now seems to be opening the door for a possible exit.
It has been reported that Barcelona’s board are split on selling Araujo , but are more willing to listen to offers to him after his red card in the Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain. It was also relayed here yesterday that United had begun to open talks with the Blaugrana about the sale of the centre back.
Catalan paper Sport take the story further by claiming the Red Devils are willing to go above and beyond to secure the services of Araujo:
“Bayern has a strong interest in acquiring his services, but Manchester United has emerged strongly in recent weeks and would be preparing an above market price offer to sign him and make him the standard bearer of their defence”.
“Both Xavi and Deco prioritize his stay at the club, aware that he is the team’s best defender, but resources are also needed to be active in the summer window and Araujo can fetch the highest price. Bayern were willing to reach €80 million for him, but United are going to go further and we will have to see what decision is made”.
It remains to be seen if United would have that type of money to spend on one player given the context of failing to make the Champions League next season and strict PSR (profit and sustainability) rules.
Nonetheless, a player who has been a long-term target of the club suddenly becoming available might just encourage Old Trafford officials to splurge, especially if they are able to shed the humongous wages of Raphael Varane and Casemiro in the opposite direction.
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