Chelsea could be prepared to ramp up their interest in signing a high-profile transfer target this summer.
It’s been reported that Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino is aware of a potential opportunity to bring a top-quality defender to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea know they’ll be left with a significant void in defence next season ahead of Thiago Silva’s imminent exit this summer. So, how will they go about replacing the colossus centre-half?
Chelsea linked with Thiago Silva replacement
GiveMeSport has now claimed that Chelsea are beginning to show interest in Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo.
It is explained that the Blues could step up their desire to sign the 25-year-old centre-back if it becomes clear that Barcelona will sell him for the right price this summer.
Apparently, Chelsea are keeping tabs on the La Liga defender and may up the ante for his signature if they are given indications that a Camp Nou exit is on the cards.
The report adds that Pochettino doesn’t want to miss out on a deal to sign a quality player like Araujo if it’s a possibility.
In addition, GMS says that Barcelona want Araujo to commit his long-term future with them, but interested buyers have been put on alert because the Spanish giants have been unable to strike a deal with their player yet.
Ronald Araujo would be a quality signing
In our view, Chelsea will be putting out a serious statement if they manage to sign Araujo in 2024.
Described as “extraordinary” by Xavi a couple of years ago (Samuel Marsden’s X account), Araujo is the complete package.
The Uruguayan defender has the pace, strength, vision and technique that suits a modern day centre-back.
He’s played 149 matches in total for Barcelona, including 36 appearances this season.
WhoScored data records Araujo as a 6.74 rating for the whole season so far. The central defender, who does fill in at right-back sometimes, has a 88.8% pass success for the campaign.
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