EXCLUSIVE: Pulisic 'best I've ever been' ahead of Copa America

MLS Power Rankings: Messi & Miami fall as RSL & Cincy climb

Transfers LIVE: Chelsea agree personal terms with Olise

UEFA Euro 2024 Winner Odds: England Favorites to Lift Trophy

The Rondo: USMNT questions, Euro 2024 predictions, TST recap

Hungary vs Switzerland Predictions and Betting Tips: Entertaining Affair in the Offing 

Spain vs Croatia Predictions and Betting Tips: Cagey Clash in Prospect

Arsenal's PL 2024-25 fixtures to be released

Italy vs Albania Predictions and Betting Tips: Shock Result in Group of Death 

Ten Hag makes three big demands before signing new Man Utd deal

Liverpool PL 2024-25 fixtures to be released

How to watch 'Tank' Davis vs Frank Martin live

Ferdinand reveals four players Man Utd should sell this summer

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Chelsea looking to sign Ronald Araujo</li><li>Bayern also interested in the defender</li><li>Barca don't want to sell the Uruguayan</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Chelsea eye massive signing as they join Bayern Munich in race to sign Ronald Araujo - but Barcelona's massive demands may put defender out of reach

As per <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240523/1002251485/oferton-chelsea-araujo.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a>, Chelsea are keeping a keen eye on the Uruguayan defender for a potential summer move as they believe he could take over as the leader in defence following <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/thiago-silva-returns-home-fluminense-announce-signing-iconic-chelsea-defender-despite-premier-league-interest/blt5e7c06bcc5e01cad" target="_blank">Thiago Silva's departure from Stamford Bridge</a> this summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Uruguayan currently has a contract with the Blaugrana that runs up to the summer of 2026 and also has an unrealistic release clause of €1 billion (£850m/$1.08bn). To further complicate the situation for Chelsea, Araujo is one of the names on the Catalan side's non-transferable priority list. However, due to Barcelona's economic troubles, the London outfit know that a big bid would likely appeal to Joan Laporta and company as they must comply with La Liga's FFP rules.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Barca reportedly held talks with the Uruguayan over a potential contract extension earlier this year but negotiations have not progressed since as the Catalan side have put an extension on 'stand-by' as they look to make further investments in the squad.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Uruguayan defender's future could also depend on who is the manager at Barcelona next season as the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/xavi-sacked-barcelona-joan-laporta-will-replace-blaugrana-boss/blt246847d90c9cbaec" target="_blank">club has been moving haphazardly in regard to Xavi Hernandez's future at the club</a>. It is now very likely that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/hansi-flick-barcelona-bayern-munich-boss-xavi/blt6e12af1276a10601" target="_blank">Hansi Flick could join the Catalans to take over from the former midfielder</a>.

WHAT NEXT FOR ARAUJO?

Chelsea eye massive signing as they join Bayern Munich in race to sign Ronald Araujo - but Barcelona's massive demands may put defender out of reach | Goal.com US

Chelsea are reportedly looking to make a statement signing this summer and could join Bayern Munich in the race to sign Barcelona&apos;s Ronald Araujo.

Chelsea eye massive signing as they join Bayern Munich in race to sign Ronald Araujo - but Barcelona&apos;s massive demands may put defender out of reach