Juventus have ramped up their efforts to secure the services of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, as the Turin giants look to bolster their backline in the January transfer window. According to recent reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Uruguayan center-back has already given his approval to a potential move to the Bianconeri, signalling his readiness for a new challenge.
Thiago Motta, Juventus’ manager, is eagerly awaiting defensive reinforcements, with the club planning to bring in two new faces. Cristiano Giuntoli, the club’s sporting director, is keen to finalize at least one signing within the next week or two, aiming to navigate the challenging fixtures ahead with greater confidence.
Araujo, who holds a Spanish passport, could be Juventus’ first acquisition of the winter market. The defender’s willingness to join Juventus stems from his current situation at Barcelona, where he faces uncertainty regarding his playing time. Having recently returned from a long-term injury that side-lined him for most of the season, Araujo made his comeback appearance just days ago, completing a full 90 minutes.
The potential transfer of Araujo might proceed more swiftly than other targets, such as David Hancko, due to the possibility of a loan deal. However, Juventus aren’t alone in their interest, with several Premier League clubs also monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation.
Araujo’s current contract with Barcelona runs until 2026, with an annual salary of €6 million. Any deal would likely involve negotiations over wage contributions, and Barcelona has yet to officially open the door for his departure. Nevertheless, Juventus remains optimistic, with Araujo’s stock rising in their transfer considerations.
