Arsenal
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2Fimago1053427437-1-6863899c6b35f481432030.jpg?w=360&resize=360,180&ssl=1 "Transfer news and rumours today: Bournemouth to sign defender in £35m deal, Nottingham Forest want Ipswich Town ace")
Chelsea are urgently exploring a transfer for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo after Levi Colwill suffered a devastating ACL damage in coaching.
Blues Goal Araujo as Emergency Substitute for Injured Colwill
The 22-year-old centre-back, who made 43 appearances final season, is anticipated to overlook many of the 2025/26 marketing campaign, forcing supervisor Enzo Maresca to hunt reinforcements.
In response to a number of studies, Chelsea have recognized the 26-year-old Uruguayan worldwide as a primary goal. Barcelona are open to provides round €50 million (£43m) for Araujo, regardless of his contract operating till 2031.
The La Liga membership’s stance is partly influenced by monetary pressures and Araujo’s injury-disrupted 2024/25 season, the place he managed simply 25 appearances.
Araujo’s profile combining elite physicality, management, and flexibility throughout central protection or right-back aligns with Chelsea’s wants.
The membership believes he may adapt shortly to the Premier League and bolster a backline that features injury-prone choices like Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
Nonetheless, vital hurdles stay:
Barcelona’s Reluctance: After dropping Inigo Martinez to Al-Nassr, Barcelona deem Araujo “untouchable” and have rebuffed early inquiries.
Participant Dedication: Araujo just lately said, “I’m very comfortable in Barcelona… I really feel extremely motivated”.
Competitors: Manchester United and Bayern Munich are additionally monitoring the state of affairs.
Whereas switch specialist Fabrizio Romano notes Chelsea has not but activated an “emergency plan,” the membership’s curiosity seems severe.
Alternate options like Actual Madrid’s Eder Militao or Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi may emerge if negotiations stall. Chelsea’s subsequent transfer hinges on Barcelona’s flexibility and whether or not Araujo’s “no switch” stance softens.
With the window closing quickly, the Blues face a race towards time to safe Colwill’s substitute.
