Ronald Araujo's a wanted man! Bayern Munich set to test Barcelona's resolve to keep star defender with mammoth transfer offer in 2024

Araujo has been long-coveted by Bayern Munich and, according to AS, the Bavarian giants are prepared to stump up €80 million (£69m/$88m) to land him this year. The German champions are set to try everything they can to sign the Uruguayan defender and have taken steps towards doing so. Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel considers Araujo a priority and called the defender to persuade him to join. However, a deal appears unlikely to materialise this month, with Eric Dier's signing a potential stop-gap.

Barcelona have yet to change their stance on Araujo who is considered an integral part of the team and not for sale. However, with Barcelona's finances under consistent scrutiny, they may find themselves forced into a decision.

With Dier's surprise move to Bayern set to be completed, the Englishman will link back up with Bayern's recent record-breaking transfer and talisman, Harry Kane.

Bayern return to Bundesliga action next weekend with a game against Hoffenheim. Tuchel's side go into the second half of the season four points off the top with a game in hand.