Premier League giants join Juventus in race to sign Barcelona defender – report | OneFootball

The future of Ronald Araujo has been a major talking point lately, with Serie A giants Juventus making a push to sign the Barcelona defender.

Juventus want to sign Araujo on a loan deal with an obligatory option to buy the player on a permanent deal in the summer.

Barcelona are yet to respond to Juventus’ offer. But it appears the Catalans are already facing increased competition in their bid to keep hold of the star defender.

Arsenal join race for Araujo

That is because Arsenal, too, have entered the race to sign Araujo as the Premier League giants desperately look to shore up their ranks in the defensive unit.

This has been revealed by Mundo Deportivo, which suggests Arsenal want to sign Araujo in the ongoing January transfer window.

Will Ronald Araujo leave Barcelona in January? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta’s men have one of the best defences in the Premier League. But the Gunners require more depth at the back, with Araujo emerging as the ideal fix.

Araujo’s renewal saga at Barça

It appears Arsenal are aware of Araujo’s current predicament at Barça.

After being out of action for months, the Uruguayan international has perhaps realised that he might have a difficult time getting into the starting eleven.

That is because Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi have both established themselves as key cogs in Hansi Flick’s defensive scheme.

Keeping that in mind, Araujo has been apprehensive about advancing renewal talks at Barcelona. Arsenal, to that end, are more than prepared to seize the market opportunity.

However, the Gunners are set to face immense competition from Juventus in the race to sign the defensive enforcer.

Barcelona, for their part, are ready to listen to offers for the Uruguayan, if he fails to reach an agreement with the club over a contract extension.