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Aston Villa are reportedly preparing a formal bid for Manchester United defensive target Ronald Araujo.
Araujo has been mentioned as a player that United are interested in ahead of the summer transfer window. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are looking to strengthen the club’s defensive department, and one of those they are keen on is Araujo.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person reported that the Red Devils have opened talks with the Barcelona star’s agent.
It was then subsequently announced that the Blaugrana are open to selling the Uruguayan if he does not sign a contract extension by the end of May.
There is an offer on the table that includes a pay rise, but the main problem is that those financial terms don’t put him on par with the top earners at the Camp Nou.
United are not the only side interested in Araujo. Both Chelsea and Bundesliga side Bayern Munich are believed to be monitoring his situation.
A fresh report from Spanish publication Sport now claims that Unai Emery’s Aston Villa also want Araujo and are even ready to present a “formal offer” for the 25-year-old.
News reveals that Emery and Villa sporting director Monchi visited Barca and expressed their desire to add Araujo to their ranks while still in England.
Villa’s pursuit of United has been boosted by the fact that they qualified for the Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League.
Not only can they lure Araujo to Villa Park with the promise of playing in Europe’s premier competition, but a significant cash injection means they are well placed to compete for his services.
However, Emery and Monchi have made it clear that they will not give up the stated price of 80 million euros because they think it is too much.
As Villa set themselves up to beat the likes of United to Araujo, they have instructed agent Diego Carlos to find his client a new club.
United should stay alive in the situation and danger posed by Villa in the race for Araujo. The Reds simply cannot let a player of that quality slip through their fingers, especially if he can be had for less than €80 million.
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