Barcelona are planning to make some serious additions to their squad this coming summer. The club is confident of increasing their salary cap from €98 million to €400 million and that would allow them to register new players.
For the former La Liga champions, the dream is Erling Haaland. The Blaugrana, however, realize that their defence needs to be addressed. The club is said to be in the market for a full-back and a centre-back. With Sergino Dest failing to live up to his expectations, and with Sergi Roberto’s future unclear, the Spanish giants have turned to the summer market.
Barcelona in talks with Cesar Azpilicueta
The 32-year-old has enjoyed a fruitful last decade with Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, and one UEFA Champions League trophy. That being said, his contract expires this summer and he still has not closed down an agreement with Chelsea. Barcelona are said to be attentive to the full-back’s situation, who is said to be eager to return to Spain.
As per Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have started their pre-transfer negotiations with Azpilicueta as the think-tank at Camp Nou believes that the Spaniard’s experience will be essential in the Barca backline.
There have been numerous reports in the recent past suggesting that Barca were close to reaching an agreement with Azpilicuta but nothing has been confirmed yet. The club is said to be in talks but an agreement is yet to be reached.
Manchester City to make a €30 million bid for Ronald Araujo
Ever since Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was pictured with Araujo’s representative, Edmundo Kabchi, rumors linking the Uruguayan defender to a move to Manchester have ramped up.
Araujo is currently one of the best players at Camp Nou and Barcelona are not in a mood to part ways with him. Ekrem Konur on Twitter, however, revealed that City are planning to make a €30 million bid to sign the 22-year-old this coming summer.
Araujo is currently one of the lowest-paid players at Barca and is said to be demanding a pay-rise proportionate to his progress. That being said, he is said to be aiming to reach similar financial figures as Ansu Fati and Pedri.
It is only a matter of time before the two parties find a solution. The player is said to be keen to stay at Barca and the club also counts on him for the future. The Los Cules are said to be aware of the fact that there s interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, and now, Manchester City. It is understood that Barca are planning to close down the renewals of Araujo and Gavi this month, with the idea of tying down the duo until 2027.
While Barcelona remain confident about accumulating a war-chest for next term, they are expected to go big next summer. However, with the Los Cules tipped to make Haaland their priority for this coming summer, they are also expected to strengthen their defence. Azpilicueta is certainly a good option. Barca are also looking to sign a top centre-back to partner Araujo with.
A medical student with an avid interest for the game.