Bayern Munich are reported to have cooled transfer interest in Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, with squad priorities ahead of next season having changed since January.
Araujo had doubts over his long-term future at Barca going into the winter transfer window. He wanted to stay but intermediaries were in touch with Bayern, who were in severe need of defensive reinforcements. There was even speculation that Thomas Tuchel personally called the Uruguay international, something the Bayern coach never denied took place.
SPORT writes that, after missing out on Araujo in January, Bayern had planned to reopen talks come the summer. But he is “beginning to not be a priority” for the Bundesliga giants, with other positions now more urgent to address ahead of next season.
Araujo might only re-emerge as a serious target if another centre-back is sold. His preference, despite more money potentially on offer in Munich, is to stay with Barca and even sign a new contract. Described as “more complicated than expected”, that could have played into Bayern’s hands as a €100m (£85m) offer might have tempted the Catalans to cash in to help their finances.
Yet the likelihood of any such approach being made seems to be diminishing, with Bayern potentially in need of replacements for the likes of Joshua Kimmich, increasingly linked with Manchester City and several others, and Alphonso Davies, who is wanted by Real Madrid, instead.
Bayern are in the process of trying to agree a new contract with Davies, whose current deal was signed way back in early 2020 and is due to expire at the end of next season.
The Canada international has been issued with an ultimatum of sorts. New board member Max Eberl told SPORT Bild that Bayern have “made Alphonso a very concrete, appreciative offer,” – believed to be in the region of €13m to €14m per season until 2029 – and that “at some point in life you have to say yes or no.” The player is rumoured to have asked for €20m per season.
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