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

Bayern-linked Araujo
© Reuters
Barcelona's Ronald Araujo insists that he is "focused on the club" amid suggestions that Bayern Munich want to sign him.

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.

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo walks off the pitch after receiving a red card by referee Javier Alberola Rojas on March 5, 2023© Reuters

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.

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo pictured in September 2022© Reuters

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.

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Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on November 28, 2023
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano124441313016
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
16Leganes122551216-411
17Getafe12174810-210
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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