Chelsea have tracked Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo who could leave the Camp Nou this summer according to reports.
The Blues have agreed a deal with Leicester City to appoint Enzo Maresca as their new manager, following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure last week.
It’s set to be another busy summer at Stamford Bridge, and Maresca will need to be backed in the transfer window to give him the best chance of success in the dug out next season.
Chelsea track Araujo
It’s been widely reported that the Blues will look to sign a centre back, left back and striker in the upcoming window, and may potentially look at a goalkeeper.
Following Thiago Silva’s departure, Chelsea have lost a huge amount of leadership from an already inexperienced squad, and the club also seem set on selling Trevoh Chalobah for financial reasons.
With two centre backs potentially departing a replacement or two will need to come in, and it was reported earlier this week Chelsea had offered a contract to Tosin Adarabioyo, but the 26-year-old isn’t the only centre back they have been looking at.
The Evening Standard report the Blues have tracked Barcelona star Araujo, who could leave the Catalan giants this summer.
The Uruguay international who can play at centre half or right back made 25 La Liga appearances as Barcelona finished ten points behind champions Real Madrid.
Araujo is a top quality operator and would certainly improve the Chelsea defence, however, there is the small issue of a €1bn release clause, although given Barcelona’s financial situation if a big bid came in from any potential suitors they would have to give it consideration.
The Uruguayan is part of Barcelona’s pool of captains and would add some much needed experience and leadership to the backline.
In all honesty prizing Araujo away from Spain seems a long shot, not to mention he would prove very costly, with his potential fee perhaps better off being spent elsewhere on the squad.
