News Focus
- Inter Milan have marked Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo as a primary target to boost their defence this summer
- Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reportedly frozen negotiations for Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni due to tactical concerns
- Araujo has started only 15 matches this season despite being club captain and one of the highest earners at Camp Nou
- The Uruguayan centre-back is under contract until 2030 but faces stiff competition from younger teammates
- It remains unclear whether the two clubs would consider a direct swap deal involving both defenders
Inter Milan are closely tracking Ronald Araujo’s situation at Barcelona as they look to strengthen their back line ahead of next season. The Serie A side view the Uruguayan international as a top option following reports that their own defender Alessandro Bastoni may not join the Catalan giants after all.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has apparently put talks for Bastoni on ice. Although sporting director Deco had reached an agreement with the Italian centre-back over personal terms, Flick is said to have doubts about whether the player fits his tactical plans.
According to reports in Italy, Inter are now focusing their attention on Araujo. The 27-year-old has endured a frustrating campaign at Camp Nou, making just 15 starts across all competitions. He has spent much of the term behind Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin in the defensive pecking order.
Araujo remains tied to Barcelona until 2030 and has publicly stated his happiness at the club. The centre-back recently returned from a mental health break but has struggled to force his way back into the starting eleven, clocking only 1,570 minutes of action this year.
The Catalan club may be tempted to offload their high-earning captain to ease their wage bill, particularly as they look to comply with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations this summer. However, it is uncertain whether Barcelona would accept Araujo as part of any exchange deal for Bastoni, or if the two transfers will proceed separately.
Separately, Barcelona continue to monitor Croatian prospect Luka Vuskovic as an alternative defensive target.