Decision time for Barcelona? Blaugrana expecting massive €100m Bayern Munich bid for Ronald Araujo as sporting director Deco ‘aware’ of interest

The Bavarians reportedly hold a long-standing interest in Araujo, who has become indispensable for Xavi at Barcelona. And although he has ruled out a winter move, the Blaugrana are preparing for the likelihood of a €100 million (£86m/$109m) summer bid, according to AS.

Xavi may be reluctant to sell, but the Blaugrana are still in financial trouble. Joan Laporta's famous levers alleviated some stress last summer, but a company failing to meet a deadline leaves the Catalan club €40m (£35m/42m) short on promised funds.

Araujo rubbished talk of a January exit in an interview earlier this week: "In every transfer window there are rumors of all kinds. It's normal. The only thing I can say is that I'm focused on the team and also on this club. I'm comfortable here and I always try to give everything for this shirt. They are always rumors that appear in all markets. There was talk in the summer about Manchester United, but I am focused on Barca. And I will always give one hundred percent."

While transfer talk doesn't seem set to subside anytime soon, the centre-back will likely continue to feature for the Blaugrana. They face off against Osasuna in the Spanish Supercopa semi-final Thursday evening.