In a twist that few anticipated only weeks ago, a major Premier League club has reignited its pursuit of one of Barcelona’s most prized defenders following an unexpected shake-up to their defensive plans ahead of the upcoming season.
The development stems from an injury crisis that has forced urgent action, pushing the London side back into the transfer market in search of a proven, commanding centre-back.
According to insiders close to the club, a serious injury to Levi Colwill has left Chelsea scrambling for reinforcements despite recently securing the services of Joel Hato.
Questions continue to loom over the long-term fitness and reliability of Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoît Badiashile, compelling the Blues to revisit an earlier target—Uruguay international Ronald Araújo.
While his departure from Camp Nou was considered highly unlikely earlier this summer, circumstances have now made him a realistic and attractive option.
Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles have long made them vulnerable to big-money offers.
Earlier in the transfer window, they were open to discussions about Araújo’s future, even reaching out to clubs such as Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Juventus.
However, none of those talks led to a concrete deal. The landscape is shifting now, with Chelsea reportedly preparing a formal offer in the region of €60 million.
The proposal is said to include a significant salary increase on Araújo’s current contract in Spain, along with the prestige and challenge of playing in the Premier League.
Still, there are complications. Barcelona’s willingness to sell has cooled somewhat following Iñigo Martínez’s transfer to Al-Nassr, which has left the club’s defensive depth thinner than anticipated.
Letting Araújo leave just days before the La Liga campaign kicks off would be a major gamble for coach Hansi Flick, particularly given the player’s importance in their backline.
Yet, off-field factors could still push the move forward. Reports suggest tensions between Araújo and the club hierarchy—highlighted by his recent removal from the team’s captaincy—may make him more receptive to a change of scenery.
As it stands, Barcelona faces a defining decision: hold onto their defensive leader to maintain stability during a crucial season, or cash in on a blockbuster transfer that could ease their financial burden.
Chelsea, sensing a rare opportunity to land a world-class defender, is poised to act swiftly before the market closes.
The next few days promise to be critical, with both clubs aware that one decisive move could reshape their seasons.
Chelsea will be watching developments at Camp Nou with intent, ready to strike the moment the door opens.
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