FOOTBALL

Ronald Araujo to Arsenal? The Gunners Eye a Break-Up!

It’s time for Arsenal fans to dust off their transfer saga hats! Ronald Araujo has reportedly agreed to forge a new career in sunny Catalonia … and that could be that, or toeing a golden ticket for them to take him as far and as easily as possible in the Premier League. And guess what? If he leaves Barcelona, he’s at the top of the priority list for England. It’s time for the drama: what transfer window is complete without a little soap opera?

The Rise of Ronald Araujo: From Boston River to Barca Hero

If not old enough to have heard of Ronald Araujo (where have you been?), then he arrived in Barcelona in 2017 for a jaw-dropping £1.5 million from the Uruguayan side Boston River. Araujo quickly made that leap from the reserve team into the senior squad, and he wasted no time impressing the Barcelona faithful. He has 150 appearances to his name and has been a key figure in Barca’s back four, up until recently.

But a.k.a. the kryptonite for Araujo has been injured. New coach Hansi Flick failed to reinsert him in England’s starting XI after a serious hamstring issue kept him sidelined for much of the season.

Why Arsenal? Why Now?

With Ronald Araujo’s contract due to run out at Barcelona in 18 months and extensions on the agenda, the Catalans may decide to sell him before they risk losing him for free. Cue Arsenal.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Araujo is all ears as the Gunners are reportedly lining up a bid for the towering defender. It would seem the Uruguayan has told his Barca teammates he wants to join a Premier League side—who wouldn’t? The appeal of a chance to live in London, Arteta’s tactics, and there is a chance to be part of a resurgent Arsenal, etc., must be pretty tempting.

Barca’s Dilemma: Keep or Cash Out?

Ronald Araujo has moved on from Barcelona’s defensive setup. Solidified both his spot at the back with Paul Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez, Araujo has been in the wilderness since. Given Barca’s lack of cash and consistent mess with finances, selling Araujo could be their only hope.

The big question is whether Arsenal can attract the price it is seeking, a ‘very considerable and irresistible’ offer. It’s all about cold hard cash: Barca won’t entertain a loan deal.

Juventus in the Mix? Not Likely

Now, you might be wondering: What about Juventus? Italian giants have expressed their interest in Araujo, but it appears Barcelona isn’t keen on parting with the player on a loan deal. And we are being honest; doesn’t anyone click for the current Serie A chaos more than the kind of excitement that the Premier League brings?

What Does Ronald Araujo Want?

Now comes the juicy part. It sounds like there’s a bit of dressing room drama at Barca—reports suggest Araujo is starting to get fed up with some of the ‘situations’ going on. He’s apparently a fan of the Premier League’s physicality and intensity as well as the style of play, under Mikel Arteta, that Arsenal has followed under him.

When asked about his future in a recent interview, Ronald Araújo played it cool:
“It’s a club thing; we’ve spoken about my renewal.” Translation? I’m keeping my options open.

But when asked if he was fully committed to staying at Barca, he gave a classic politician’s answer: “We are talking.” Not exactly a high recommendation.

My Take: Why Arsenal Should Pounce

Being the fan I am as a football aficionado and also as a certified armchair manager, Arsenal will be wild to not press hard for Ronald Araujo. He’s young, he’s experienced, and he’s got the grit to make it in the Premier League. Yes, his injury record is something to be concerned about; Araujo, however, might well be the ideal partner for William Saliba in the middle of Arsenal’s defense when he is fully fit. It’s a plus: who wouldn’t want to see him in red and white, giving a hard time to Erling Haaland?

For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:



Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

To Top