Atletico Madrid eye Barcelona captain ahead of decisive meeting with Hansi Flick | OneFootball

Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo is set for an important week that could decide his future at the club, with fresh interest from Atletico Madrid emerging just as he prepares for talks with head coach Hansi Flick.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico manager Diego Simeone is a long-time admirer of the Uruguayan defender and believes his physical, front-foot style would fit perfectly into his system. 

At present, while no move is currently underway, the report claims Araujo has become one of the names being considered as Atletico look to make defensive additions this summer.

Importantly, it is said that the Barcelona captain is set to hold discussions with Flick once he returns to training to understand where he stands in the club’s plans for the 2026/27 campaign.

Simeone keeping close eye on Araujo’s situation

The report states that Atletico’s interest is linked to changes at the back following the departures of Jose Maria Gimenez and Clement Lenglet. 

Diego Simeone really admires Ronald Araujo. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Depending on how their summer business develops, including the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Julian Alvarez, or even independently of that deal, Araujo is viewed as a player capable of strengthening Simeone’s back line.

For what it is worth, it is certainly not the first time the Barcelona defender has attracted interest from Europe’s top clubs. 

His combination of strength, aggression and recovery pace has made him one of the most highly rated centre-backs in Spain despite an injury-hit campaign.

However, Barcelona’s position has not changed. Araujo remains the club captain, is under contract until 2031 and is considered an important figure inside the dressing room.

A crucial meeting with Flick

Araujo is due back at Barcelona next Monday after being granted additional time off following his involvement with Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup. 

Araujo is set to hold crucial talks with Flick. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Although he remained with the national team until the end of the group stage, a right calf injury prevented him from making an appearance.

Earlier this week, the defender visited the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to undergo medical checks before officially returning for pre-season.

Once back with the squad, one of his first conversations will be with Flick, where talks are expected to focus on Araujo’s role for the season ahead. 

With several options already available in defence for Flick, Araujo is keen to understand exactly where he fits into the manager’s plans before looking ahead to the new campaign.