Arsenal have been linked to Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo in the January transfer window.
Mikel Arteta’s priority should be bolstering Arsenal’s attack however, it’s not the only area that the Spaniard is looking to strengthen.
The Gunners have struggled to be potent in the final third this season, with attacking depth clearly needed at the Emirates.
The January transfer window presents Arteta with the chance to welcome reinforcements to boost Arsenal’s hopes of silverware, with many hoping to see a new forward.
History will tell you that Arteta favours purchasing in other areas, as the Arsenal manager has only signed six attackers over his five-year reign and now, another defender has been linked.
Amid Arsenal’s reported interest in Araujo, here’s everything you need to know about the Barcelona centre-back.
How old is Ronald Araujo?
Araujo was born on March 7th 1999, making him 25 years old at the time of writing.
The defender was born in the city of Rivera in Uruguay and has made 20 appearances for his country.
What position does Ronald Araujo play?
The Uruguayan is a centre-back but, has appeared at right-back too during his career.
Transfermarkt data suggests that Araujo has played 202 appearances at centre-back, 22 at right-back and four in defensive midfield.
How tall is Ronald Araujo?
Araujo stands at 1.92m, making him around six feet and two inches tall, the same height as William Saliba.
What clubs has Ronald Araujo played for?
Araujo’s career started at youth level with Huracan de Rivera, before he signed for Rentistas’ academy in Uruguay.
The defender then transferred to fellow Uruguayan club Boston River in 2017 before signing for Barcelona’s B team the following year.
Araujo made his senior Barcelona debut in 2019 and has since won three trophies in Catalonia.
- 1x La Liga winner – 2022/23
- 1x Copa del Rey winner – 2020/21
- 1x Spanish Super Cup winner – 2022/23
What shirt number does Ronald Araujo wear?
Araujo started with the number 33 shirt at Barcelona, which dropped to number 30 and then to his requested number four in the 2020/21 season.
The defender took the number four from Ivan Rakitic in 2020 and joined a list of Barcelona legends to wear the shirt number.
Former Gunner Cesc Fabregas previously wore the shirt, with other notable names being Pep Guardiola and Eusebio among many others.
What is Ronald Araujo’s salary?
Capology lists Araujo as the 11th-highest-paid player in the Barcelona squad at present, earning €7m per year.
That translates to £5.7m per year, which is a weekly salary of £110k, which at Arsenal would place him as the 13th-highest-earner.
Ronald Araujo admires Virgil van Dijk
Being at Barcelona for so long, Araujo would have been exposed to some top defensive talent to learn from however, it’s a player closer to the Emirates that the 25-year-old models his game on.
Speaking to The Athletic in 2023, Araujo revealed that he studies Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, as well as Manchester City defenders, suggesting that he’s already clued up on the Premier League.
“I watch everything — and I look for movements I try to copy from some defenders. There are various players I watch and I try to take the best from each of them.
|These days it’s Virgil van Dijk. Manchester City’s defenders as well are playing at a good level this season. I analyse a bit from all of them: the movements they make, how they move the ball, trying to learn.”
Ronald Araujo to Arsenal transfer
Reports in Spain suggest Arsenal have transfer interest in Araujo, who has a staggering release clause of €1bn.
Fortunately, Arsenal wouldn’t be expected to pay such fee, as Barcelona are reportedly waiting to see if the defender will receive any offers.
Barcelona wanted to extend the Uruguayan’s current contract however such has not happened, inspiring the Catalan club to test the waters over interested parties.
Arsenal are said to be ready to bid for the 25-year-old, who has impressed in Spain.
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