Spurs are monitoring a move for the Barcelona defender.placeholder image
Spurs are monitoring a move for the Barcelona defender. | Getty Images
Chelsea have been linked with a swoop for the Barcelona star but could face competition from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Daily Mail reported that the Blues are ‘ready to make a move’ to sign the Barcelona man as they search for reinforcements in defence. That comes after Levi Colwill picked up an ACL injury during the team’s first session back in pre-season.
The 22-year-old underwent successful surgery on the problem and has begun rehabilitation but is expected to miss most of the 2025/26 season with the injury. The problem typically keeps a player sidelined for six to nine months.
Chelsea target Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo
Chelsea are said to have marked Araujo as an ideal replacement and are reported to be willing to pay £43 million for the Uruguay international. That fee is expected to be enough for Barcelona to green light a sale given the club’s financial situation.
The centre-back has made 175 appearances for the club since arriving from Boston River in 2018, winning two La Liga titles, and is under contract until 2031. Praising the player last season, Barcelona legend Carles Puyol said: "For me he is a very good player. He is one of the best defenders in the world. I think everyone has to make their own career, but we can have similarities in terms of the game".
The Mail report adds that Chelsea are still considering whether they need to invest in another defender before sending a formal offer. Josh Acheampong could be trusted in that role with Aaron Anselmino another option, but those players are just 19 and 20 years old respectively.
Tottenham Hotspur eye transfer hijack
Transfer specialist Sebastian Vidal wrote on social media platform X: “Tottenham have earmarked Ronald Araujo as a target. The Barcelona defender, valued at £43m, is also on Chelsea and Liverpool’s radar. First official approach from Spurs expected next week.”
When asked about reports that Romero could leave Spurs earlier this summer, Frank said: “It’s always tricky, situations like that if that happens. Right now I have a player that is fully committed and training well, and will play tomorrow.
"I'm not talking about Sonny, I'm talking about in general. If a player has been at a club a long time, then there will always be a decision for the club to take, of course. And of course, the head coach and the guys who are in charge and this case will be with Daniel [Levy] and Johan [Lange]. Because there is something in it if someone wants to leave at a certain stage, then there can be something there. But the club will always decide in the end, of course.”
In other news, Fabrizio Romano issues update on transfer listed Chelsea player after injury blow.
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