Bayern Munich-linked Ronald Araujo "focused on" Barcelona amid exit talk

Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo has insisted that he is "focused on the club" amid suggestions that Bayern Munich are keen to sign him during the January transfer window.

Bayern are believed to view Araujo as their leading target this winter but are prepared to wait until the end of the campaign to sign him if a mid-season transfer cannot be secured.

A recent report claimed that the Bundesliga champions are willing to pay in excess of €70m (£60m) for the Uruguay international in January.

However, Bayern are thought to have been told that Araujo is not for sale under any circumstances this winter despite Barcelona needing funds due to their financial problems.

The 24-year-old is currently with the Barcelona squad in Saudi Arabia preparing for Thursday's Spanish Super Cup semi-final with Osasuna.

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Araujo was asked about his future during a press conference on Wednesday, and the South American insisted that he is "focused on the club" and "happy" at Camp Nou.

"In all markets there is talk of transfers. But I'm focused on the club, I'm happy. And I always give my best when it's my turn to defend this shirt," Araujo told reporters.

"These are always rumours that come up in every market. There's always talk, but I'm focused on Barca and I always show it. I will always give 100%."

Araujo has made 18 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring once, while he has featured on 131 occasions for the Catalan outfit since debuting in 2019.

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The South American signed a new contract at Camp Nou in April 2022, with his current terms due to run until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

"Nobody should think that it will be an easy game, on the contrary, Osasuna is a difficult opponent," Araujo added when questioned on Thursday's semi-final with Osasuna.

"We've been doing well, we've been winning, it's important to win. This challenge was very important for us last year. It was a turning point and it's important to do it again. We have a great group and we want to win it."

Should Barcelona overcome Osasuna on Thursday, they would advance to Sunday's final, where either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid will be waiting.

Barcelona could be boosted by the return of key midfielder Pedri for the semi-final; Joao Cancelo is unlikely to feature, having recently suffered a knee injury, but the Portugal international has a chance of being available for the final if the La Liga champions make it.