Deco confirms Barcelona desire to keep Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona sporting director Deco has played down speculation that Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong could leave the club this summer.

With the Catalan giants looking to improve their financial situation, there has been a suggestion that the club may look to raise funds via player sales in the summer transfer window.

Araujo is one of the names that have been linked with a move away, with the Uruguay international believed to be a target for German giants Bayern Munich.

Despite the reported interest from the Bavarians, Barcelona boss Xavi recently explained the importance of the club retaining Araujo's services.

Meanwhile, De Jong's future has also been the subject of speculation in the last few weeks after it was initially suggested that he would be open to a summer departure.

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Those rumours have led to the Netherlands international being linked with a switch to Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, De Jong recently attempted to quash the speculation, slamming the reports as "lies" ahead of Wednesday's Champions League draw with Napoli.

Deco has now confirmed that Barcelona are keen to keep hold of both Araujo and De Jong beyond the end of the current season.

"What will happen to Araujo and De Jong? Nothing will happen," the Barcelona sporting director said in an interview with Movistar.

"They have a contract and we want to keep the best. And they are the best. They are footballers of the present and the future.

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"They are players who have earned the right to be at Barca, and they have earned the respect of the fans and the club. We want to continue counting on them."

Araujo, who is under contract until the summer of 2026, has started 25 of his 28 competitive appearances this season, including Saturday's 4-0 win over Getafe.

De Jong scored his second goal of the season in the dominant victory as he made his 14th consecutive start in all competitions.

The Dutchman's current deal runs until June 2026, but he is believed to be in talks over extending his contract with the reigning La Liga champions.

Barcelona currently sit in second place and five points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, who face Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday evening.