Barcelona believe star player's agent is trying to force free transfer away from the club: Reports
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is reportedly interested in signing a contract extension with the club. However, as per Fernando Polo of the Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are concerned about Araujo's agent's intentions. They believe he is trying to send the Uruguayan defender away from La Blaugrana on a free transfer.
Araujo joined Barcelona B from Boston River in August 2018 and became a crucial part of the senior team in 2020. Since then, the 25-year-old has made 150 appearances for the Camp Nou outfit across competitions, bagging eight goals and five assists. The Uruguayan defender is currently on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, but he's expected to return after the November international break.
Araujo's current contract with Barcelona will expire in the summer of 2026, and as per the aforementioned report, he's willing to sign a new deal with the LaLiga giants. However, the 25-year-old's agent hasn't provided him with the necessary details about the transfer, as he wants Araujo to leave the club in 2026.
Additionally, the LaLiga giants are urging him to take action regarding the miscommunication and offer the Uruguay international a new contract. If Araujo enters the market as a free agent, several top European clubs will battle to sign him. Currently, the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool are shortlisting defenders for the next summer transfer window.
Real Madrid remain frontrunners in race to sign Barcelona target: Reports
Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid are currently the frontrunner in the race to sign Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies in the next summer transfer window despite Barcelona's interest, as per SportBILD.
Los Blancos have been heavily linked with Davies for the last two years. The Canadian has been their top transfer target, and next summer, he's expected to be available as a free agent as he hasn't signed a new deal with Bayern yet.
Earlier, as per multiple reports, La Blaugrana were preparing a bid for the Bundesliga star, but Carlo Ancelotti's side is expected to have an edge over them in terms of funds. As a result, Davies is getting closer to signing a deal with Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
Davies joined Bayern Munich from the Vancouver Whitecaps in January 2019. He has made 207 appearances for the Bavarians across all competitions, bagging 11 goals and 34 assists.