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Barcelona 'identify Kalidou Koulibaly as Ronald Araujo replacement'

Barcelona 'identify Koulibaly as Araujo replacement'
© Reuters
Barcelona reportedly plan to move for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly if Ronald Araujo leaves the club this summer.

Barcelona have reportedly earmarked Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly as an ideal replacement for Ronald Araujo.

Araujo's existing deal at Camp Nou is due to expire in the summer of 2023, with the Blaugrana desperately trying to tie the 22-year-old down to a new contract.

However, a recent report has claimed that an agreement is no closer to being struck, with Araujo holding out for a wage which reflects his importance to Xavi's side.

Should Araujo head for the exit door amid links with Manchester United and Chelsea, El Nacional reports that the Blaugrana will move for Koulibaly as his replacement.

The Senegal international has remained loyal to Napoli despite persistent talk of a move away in the past couple of years, but he is also due to become a free agent in under 18 months' time and could supposedly be available for €30m (£24.8m) this summer.

As well as Koulibaly, Barcelona are reported to be closing in on a deal to sign Andreas Christensen, who is seemingly set to leave Chelsea as a free agent this summer.

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Written by
Ben Knapton

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Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly pictured in October 2020
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