Liverpool appear to be closing in on a move for the defender in the summer transfer window.
Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo is reportedly set for a loan move to Anfield(Image: Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Liverpool are reportedly set to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona as Andoni Iraola strengthens his squad in the summer window. The Uruguay international has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, he will now join Liverpool on a temporary deal. The journalist claims that a deal has been agreed between the Reds and Barca, with the move approved by Barca sporting director Deco.
TalkSPORT reports that the transfer is a straight loan deal, with Romano adding that there is an option to make the deal permanent next summer, although the clause is only optional. The move adds to the Reds' centre-back options for the season.
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It comes after Joe Gomez was ruled out of the start of the campaign after picking up an injury in pre-season. That left Iraola with just Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni as centre-back options, with both Jacquet and Leoni coming back from long-term injuries.
Despite the need for defensive reinforcements, a transfer for Araujo comes as somewhat of a shock, with reports in Spain just days ago suggesting that he was set to stay with Barcelona.
Marca reported just this week that the defender, who is Barcelona's club captain, 'hadn't even considered' a move from the Nou Camp this summer.
Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo made 38 appearances for Barcelona last term(Image: Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images)
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The 27-year-old had a difficult season last year, falling down the pecking order at Barcelona. He then missed every game of Uruguay's World Cup campaign this summer through injury, despite being with the squad.
He will hope a move to Anfield will hope him get more regular game time and rebuild his confidence.
If a move is completed in time, he could make his debut in the final pre-season friendly against Como on Sunday, 16 August, as Liverpool build up to the Premier League season opener vs Newcastle at St James' Park on 23 August.
Despite appearing to close in on a defensive transfer, Liverpool's transfer priority is still to strengthen the attack. The club have held talks with Paris Saint-Germain over winger Bradley Barcola, and are also interested in another PSG man in Ibrahim Mbaye.
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