Ronald Araujo: Chelsea transfer plan revealed amid Barcelona financial concerns
Chelsea are interested in signing Ronald Araujo and could land his services if Barcelona continue to struggle financially.
Chelsea‘s centre-back woes have been on display for all to see this season after they chose not to sign a new player in the position over the summer despite Enzo Maresca‘s demands.
Levi Colwill is out for the campaign with an ACL tear, while the likes of Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong have all each had their own injury concerns in recent weeks.
Chelsea are working to sign a new centre-back, as revealed by Football Insider last month, with the position remaining a priority for Italian boss Maresca after their tough start to the season.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (11 October) that Chelsea are interested in signing Ronald Araujo as he continues to impress on a consistent basis for La Liga champions Barcelona.
The Spanish giants’ financial difficulties could force them to sell the 26-year-old soon, with sources previously telling Football Insider that Liverpool are also eyeing a move for Araujo.
Chelsea could move for Araujo next summer if Barcelona’s financial struggles continue
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Chelsea are unlikely to land Araujo in January and so could make a move for him next summer.
The Uruguayan international centre-back has featured seven times for Barcelona so far this season, donning the captain’s armband on six occasions, so it is clear how highly-rated he is at his current club.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast about how Chelsea plan to approach a potential move for Araujo over the next two transfer windows, I explained: “I don’t think they’ll (Chelsea) do anything in January.
“Liverpool were linked in the summer. Again, I’m not sure they’ll try and sign him in January. Both of those clubs will be monitoring his long-term situation at Barcelona.
“If Barcelona do give any indication that they would sell at Araujo, I think there’ll be other clubs willing to sign the Uruguay international.
“Come next summer, if Barcelona’s financial situation hasn’t improved, then it could open the door for a possible move away.”
Chelsea also eyeing move for Nottingham Forest’s Murillo
Chelsea have managed to cope relatively well with their extensive injury issues up to now, as they currently sit seventh in the Premier League following a late win against reigning champions Liverpool.
They are planning to add to their backline soon, however, with Araujo not the only in-form centre-back who could soon be making the move to Stamford Bridge.
Football Insider revealed on Thursday (9 October) that Murillo is one of Chelsea’s top transfer targets following his outstanding showings for Nottingham Forest over the last 18 months.
Chelsea wanted to sign Murillo last January before he went on to sign a new contract with the City Ground outfit, but there is believed to be a growing feeling that he could move on.