Inter Milan consider Barcelona captain ‘unaffordable’ despite strong interest – report | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is completely unaware of any interest from Inter Milan despite recent transfer rumours linking him with the Serie A champions.

According to Mundo Deportivo, neither Barcelona nor the player’s representatives have received any formal communication regarding a potential move. 

While reports recently suggested Inter were monitoring the Uruguayan centre-back closely, the reality within the club appears very different.

What’s the story?

According to the outlet, no negotiations have taken place, no figures have been discussed, and no official contact has been made.

The report also dismisses claims surrounding a possible swap deal involving Alessandro Bastoni. 

Inter Milan cannot afford Araujo. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Although Barcelona continue to admire the Italian defender, the operation is currently considered unrealistic because of the enormous financial demands involved.

Inter value Bastoni at around €70 million, a figure Barcelona are unwilling to approach given their current economic situation.

At the same time, suggestions from Italy state that Barça would consider selling Araujo for around €50 million, but even that figure is ‘unaffordable’ for the Serie A champions to afford.

The Uruguayan defender remains under contract until 2031 and still occupies an important role inside the squad as one of the team captains. 

More importantly, the centre-back himself has no desire to leave Camp Nou at this stage of his career.

Araujo does not want to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

After a difficult period personally and mentally, Araujo now feels refreshed, motivated, and fully focused on rediscovering his best version at Barcelona.

Araujo still vital to Barcelona’s plans

Araujo’s links with Inter continue to appear regularly because the Uruguayan remains one of the most valuable defenders when fully fit and confident.

Despite criticism and inconsistency at certain moments last season, Barcelona still view the defender as one of the strongest personalities inside the dressing room. 

For now, Araujo seems settled at Barcelona and his move to Inter appears complicated financially from every angle. 

Inter would likely struggle to afford a player with such a long contract unless Barcelona actively pushed for a sale, which currently does not seem to be the case.