Ronald Araujo could be a summer target for Manchester UnitedRonald Araujo could be a summer target for Manchester United
Ronald Araujo could be a summer target for Manchester United | AFP via Getty Images
Man Utd could see their summer transfer plans altered by Champions League qualification.
Manchester United will reportedly make a move for a Barcelona star this summer if they go on to secure Champions League qualification. It is no longer mathematically possible for United to finish in the top half of the Premier League after they lost 4-3 to Brentford at the weekend.
United are certain to record their worst finish of the Premier League era, but could salvage their season if they manage to win the Europa League and subsequently qualify for the Champions League. Ruben Amorim is well aware that the priority is on their European campaign and he made eight changes to his starting line up for their latest defeat on Sunday afternoon.
All eyes are on the upcoming Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club and Amorim will not take any chances with his team selection despite their 3-0 victory in Spain a week ago. The victory could have a huge impact on their summer transfer plans and could even see them land a star defender in the coming months.
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Manchester United 'plan' Ronald Araujo deal
Manchester United have originally budgeted for the summer transfer window with the expectation they will not be involved in European football next season. Even if that is the case, they still hope to add both an attacking midfielder and a striker to their squad without the need for player sales.
However, those summer transfer plans could evolve quickly if United go on to qualify for the Champions League and secure the riches that come along with it. A place in the competition would not only make Old Trafford a more attractive destination for potential summer recruits, it would also significantly boost the club's tight financial situation and allow them to spend even more money on new signings.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is one such player who has been linked with a move to Manchester and Football365 claim Ruben Amorim has 'rekindled hope' that the 26-year-old could become his first summer signing. They suggest that if United qualify for the Champions League they will 'plan an ambitious transfer window' with Araujo one of the ‘one of the names highlighted in red.'
The report also claims Barcelona are open to the possible exit of the Uruguayan centre-back this summer and United 'would be willing' to submit an offer in excess of €70 million to secure his signature. United will lose both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans upon expiration of their respective deals this summer, while Harry Maguire will enter the final year of his contract and Lisandro Martinez is injured.
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