Everton reportedly eye swoop for Barcelona defender they can offer “much better terms”
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Everton are willing to offer Ronald Araujo “much better terms” to lure the defender from Barcelona in the summer.
Araujo, 22, has been a regular for the Spanish giants this season.
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Hide AdIn total, he has made 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.
What’s been said
The centre-back is into the last 18 months of his contract at the Nou Camp.
And according to The Athletic, Araujo - like fellow promising prospects Gavi, 17, and Nico, 20 - is due a significant pay rise as reward for his progress.
However, given Barcelona’s well-documented financial troubles, it could be a struggle for them to fit such a deal within their salary cap ‘puzzle’.
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Hide AdAraujo’s potential availability will undoubtedly alert plenty of clubs across Europe - with Everton one of them.
It is claimed that the Toffees would be willing to hand the Uruguay international significantly improved terms in the summer.
The report said: “Promising defender Ronald Araujo also deserves a big pay rise, given his very basic contract is into its last 18 months.
“Everton are among the clubs who would be happy to offer the 22-year-old Uruguay international much better terms in the summer.”
Will Ronald Araujo join Everton?
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Hide AdCentral defence is an area of Rafa Benitez’s squad that many supporters would like to see bolstered during this month’s transfer window.
Although the Blues have ample options, on paper, there are concerns about the quality Everton have at their disposal.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Mason Holgate is not in Benitez’s plans and is free to leave.
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Hide AdAnd Michael Keane’s performance, at times, have also left a lot to be desired.
Araujo would undoubtedly improve the Toffees markedly.
However, it could depend on other clubs who make a move and the financial packages they offer compare to Everton.
Last month, Merseyside rivals Liverpool were linked with a £38 million move for Araujo.