Barcelona have delivered a clear message to Juventus regarding their interest in star defender Ronald Araújo.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants have firmly warned the Serie A club against pursuing the Uruguayan international, who is deemed a cornerstone of Hansi Flick’s defensive setup.
The Bianconeri are currently dealing with a significant defensive crisis following long-term ACL injuries to key players Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal. As a result, Juventus have intensified efforts to bolster their backline ahead of the second half of the season.
In their search for reinforcements, Juve recently approached Barcelona to inquire about the availability of two defenders: Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo.
While initial talks concerning Christensen hinted at a potential loan move, Barcelona were unequivocal in their stance on Araújo. Juventus were told not to pursue any further discussions, as Araújo remains an integral figure in the Blaugrana’s plans.
The 24-year-old has established himself as a defensive linchpin under Hansi Flick, making him indispensable at the Camp Nou.
With Barcelona’s firm rejection, Juventus will need to explore alternative options to address their defensive vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, Araújo continues to play a pivotal role for the La Liga leaders, highlighting his immense value to the team.
As the January transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen how Juventus will navigate their current challenges.
