Chelsea Are Eyeing A Move For This Barcelona Defender Next Summer: Good Choice For Maresca? | OneFootball

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that Chelsea are eyeing a move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo next summer. O’Rourke said,

“I don’t think they’ll (Chelsea) do anything in January.

“Liverpool were linked in the summer. Again, I’m not sure they’ll try and sign him in January. Both of those clubs will be monitoring his long-term situation at Barcelona.

“If Barcelona do give any indication that they would sell at Araujo, I think there’ll be other clubs willing to sign the Uruguay international.

“Come next summer, if Barcelona’s financial situation hasn’t improved, then it could open the door for a possible move away.”

Araujo’s Recent Form In La Liga

Araujo has served as a useful squad player at the Catalan club this season and has managed to put in a few impressive displays for them in La Liga. The Uruguay international has participated in seven matches for Barca so far in this campaign, scoring one goal across all fronts.

The 26-year-old has been a solid presence when defending inside his half and has done well to make five tackles, four blocks, five interceptions and 18 clearances in La Liga. He has even distributed the ball well from the back based on his pass success rate of 91.6% in top-flight football (stats via fbref.com).

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JULY 01: Ronald Araujo of Uruguay celebrates the team’s first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Will Araujo Be A Good Choice For Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca?

Araujo is a solid tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his side inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and excels at playing his way out from the back.

The Uruguayan talent can even use his strong 1.92m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. However, it remains to be seen whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League if the Blues manage to snap him up next year.

Araujo would bring more bite and steel to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca’s defence. He is good enough to compete for a regular first-team spot at the West London club in the coming years.

At 26, Araujo is about to enter his prime, which makes him a decent choice for Chelsea to consider this winter or at the end of this campaign.