Ronald Araujo is one of the pieces with which FC Barcelona can make money this summer. The ‘charrúa’ can leave for an affordable price in the first days of July and AC Milan, like Juventus, is attentive to his future.
The latest information from Italy points to the interest of the new ‘rossoneri’ coach, Massimiliano Allegri, in the Uruguayan international. The Italian coach already had him on his radar during his time at Juve, but the ‘4’ never intended to leave Barça
Last January, still with Thiago Motta on the bench, the ‘bianconeri’ returned to the charge for Araujo, but the azulgrana team activated the defender’s renewal until 2031. Now, Milan joins the list of suitors for the ‘charrúa’, taking advantage of one of the clauses in his new contract.
Although Ronald maintains his release price at 1,000 million euros, the value of the clause drops to 65 ‘kilos’ during the first two weeks of July. In that sense, Barça is attentive to any offer, although for now the 26-year-old defender is untouchable in the squad led by Hansi Flick.
However, there is a scenario in which Barcelona would open the exit door to Araujo. In Italy, there are strong rumors about Rafael Leao’s desire to leave Milan this summer, as the ‘rossoneri’ team will not compete in European competitions in 25/26.
The Portuguese player, represented by Jorge Mendes, will make a new effort to return to the ‘culé’ radar, although the azulgrana team maintains Nico Williams and Luis Díaz as priorities when it comes to left wingers.
Milan, for its part, insists on closing the door to the ’10’, for whom they will only accept offers starting at 100 million euros. However, the Lombard position could become more flexible by including Ronald Araujo in the operation.
The ‘rossoneri’ have the Tomori-Pavlovic duo as starting center-backs, while Malic Thiaw and Matteo Gabbia are the available replacements. Either of the two could leave if they add a ‘top’ center-back like the third captain of Barça.
Beyond this possibility, the swap of Araujo for Leao is practically impossible this summer. First, because the azulgrana defender has no intention of leaving and, if he does, he will prioritize a team with a much more attractive sports project.
And, in the case of Barça, although Rafa Leao is very popular with the board, his signing implies an investment that is too high for the club’s budget. Even if Ronald were included as part of the payment, an extra sum would have to be paid to Milan, an unfeasible scenario for the ‘culé’ sports planning.
Although the club needs to make money with some ‘top’ sale, Araujo, for now, is not on the list of transferable players. And, if the center-back expresses his desire to leave, the idea would be to receive a high figure, enough to amortize the arrival of another couple of reinforcements in the summer market.
