Ronald Araujo unsure of long-term Barcelona place amid Bayern Munich interest

Bayern Munich are interested in signing Uruguay centre-back Ronald Araujo, who would like to stay at Barcelona but has doubts over his place in the side in the long-term, sources have confirmed to 90min.

The 24-year-old has become a fan favourite in Catalonia since cementing his place in the first-team back in 2020. He was promoted into the club’s captaincy group prior to the start of the 2023/24 season following the departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Araujo has been an ever-present this term when fit, but has been increasingly linked with a move to Bayern over the past month. 90min understands intermediaries have indeed spoken to the Bundesliga champions about a deal, which is where their interest has emerged from.

Bayern have been scouring Europe for defensive reinforcements – a need emphasised by their shock 5-1 loss at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday – and would love to bring in Araujo during the January transfer window, though a deal is unlikely at this stage.

Reports from Germany last week suggested Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel had called Araujo to discuss a move, and the former Chelsea manager did not deny that this took place.

“I won’t comment on that in any direction. We only talk about our players. I also spoke to my mother on the phone, but there were no reports of it!” Tuchel told Sky Germany.

Tuchel wants another defender / Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/GettyImages

For his part, Araujo does not want to leave Barcelona, but he is ultimately unsure of his standing in their long-term plans. He has already admitted he does not enjoy being deployed at right-back, telling beIN Sports earlier this month: “The truth is, I don’t like playing as a right-back. That’s the reality.

“But I always say, wherever the coach and the team ask me, I’m going to play and give my best, but obviously I feel very comfortable playing as a centre-back because it’s my natural position and it is where I can give 100%.”

Several clubs are keeping an eye on Araujo amid this uncertainty. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United are all fans of his, but it is not expected that Barcelona will sanction an exit anytime soon.