La Liga heavyweights Barcelona believe Ronald Araujo will remain at the Catalan club beyond the summer transfer window amid his emerging links with Liverpool.

According to a report by reputed Spanish journalist Miguel Rico, Ronald Araujo is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Barcelona defender. However, the Catalan giants feel the Uruguayan international will remain at the club beyond the window.

Ronald Araujo and his Barcelona career so far

Ronald Araujo has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at FC Barcelona. The South American defender has been with the Blaugrana since August 2018 but had to wait for a couple of years to establish a foothold in the senior setup.

The 26-year-old has turned out over 150 times thus far for Barcelona while chipping in with ten goals and seven assists. However, Araujo has struggled with fitness issues in the last two seasons, although he has overcome those problems this term.

The Uruguayan international has also become a mainstay for La Celeste, and his exploits for his club and country have piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are keen on signing the Barcelona defender, with Liverpool among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Liverpool’s interest in Ronald Araujo makes sense. The Reds are combing the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Virgil van Dijk’s long-term future. The Dutch defender has entered the final few months of his contract, with the two parties yet to seal an agreement on a new deal.

Even if van Dijk signs a new contract with Liverpool, the Merseyside outfit should sign a long-term successor, considering his advancing age and Joe Gomez’s fitness issues. So, Araujo has emerged as a viable target for Liverpool amid uncertainties surrounding his Barcelona future. However, the Catalan giants believe he will remain at the club beyond the summer transfer window.

The report has suggested possible talks over a swap deal with Liverpool involving Barcelona target Luis Diaz. However, it will be surprising to see the two players exchange bases in that arrangement. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the 26-year-old Uruguayan international.