Hansi Flick 'surprised' by Ronald Araujo transfer rumours as Barcelona boss denies defender wants to leave

Despite signing a six-year contract extension in January, the centre-back has been linked with a move away following an injury-plagued campaign at the Catalan club. Premier League and Italian sides had been linked to the 26-year-old.

Barca are currently facing an overload in defence, with sporting director Deco admitting they want to sell one defender. Due to injury, Araujo and Andreas Christensen spent much of last season on the sidelines, forcing Flick to rely on Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in the heart of the defence. While Christensen is the one most likely to be sacrificed, La Vanguardia reports Araujo could ask to leave should he feel he will not be given a chance.

Flick, though, has suggested the Uruguay international will remain, telling reporters: "Ronald? There are always many rumours about Araujo, but I have no news or any sign that he wants to leave. I have a great team, with a lot of quality. We have doubled all positions and in some I even have three players. It's not easy to manage, of course, but I'm happy."

He added: "I'm surprised this is coming from Ronald. I'm very happy with the team I have."

While Spanish media have recently claimed Araujo might be sold to Liverpool, the defender himself declared earlier this month that he wants to stay at the Catalan outfit. He is currently part of the squad in South Korea and featured in their first pre-season game against Vissel Kobe last week, albeit from the bench. Barca are set to play their second game tomorrow against Korean top-tier club FC Seoul.