MX23RW : Thursday, May 9 15:17:40| >> :120:8080:8080:

Bayern Munich-linked Ronald Araujo "focused on" Barcelona amid exit talk

Bayern-linked Araujo
© Reuters
Barcelona's Ronald Araujo insists that he is "focused on the club" amid suggestions that Bayern Munich want to sign him.

Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo has insisted that he is "focused on the club" amid suggestions that Bayern Munich are keen to sign him during the January transfer window.

Bayern are believed to view Araujo as their leading target this winter but are prepared to wait until the end of the campaign to sign him if a mid-season transfer cannot be secured.

A recent report claimed that the Bundesliga champions are willing to pay in excess of €70m (£60m) for the Uruguay international in January.

However, Bayern are thought to have been told that Araujo is not for sale under any circumstances this winter despite Barcelona needing funds due to their financial problems.

The 24-year-old is currently with the Barcelona squad in Saudi Arabia preparing for Thursday's Spanish Super Cup semi-final with Osasuna.

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo walks off the pitch after receiving a red card by referee Javier Alberola Rojas on March 5, 2023© Reuters

Araujo was asked about his future during a press conference on Wednesday, and the South American insisted that he is "focused on the club" and "happy" at Camp Nou.

"In all markets there is talk of transfers. But I'm focused on the club, I'm happy. And I always give my best when it's my turn to defend this shirt," Araujo told reporters.

"These are always rumours that come up in every market. There's always talk, but I'm focused on Barca and I always show it. I will always give 100%."

Araujo has made 18 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring once, while he has featured on 131 occasions for the Catalan outfit since debuting in 2019.

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo pictured in September 2022© Reuters

The South American signed a new contract at Camp Nou in April 2022, with his current terms due to run until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

"Nobody should think that it will be an easy game, on the contrary, Osasuna is a difficult opponent," Araujo added when questioned on Thursday's semi-final with Osasuna.

"We've been doing well, we've been winning, it's important to win. This challenge was very important for us last year. It was a turning point and it's important to do it again. We have a great group and we want to win it."

Should Barcelona overcome Osasuna on Thursday, they would advance to Sunday's final, where either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid will be waiting.

Barcelona could be boosted by the return of key midfielder Pedri for the semi-final; Joao Cancelo is unlikely to feature, having recently suffered a knee injury, but the Portugal international has a chance of being available for the final if the La Liga champions make it.

ID:533410:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4070:

Click here for more stories about Ronald Araujo

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on November 28, 2023
Read Next:
Bayern 'willing to pay more than £60m for Ronald Araujo'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!