"He is one of the best defenders" - Barcelona boss breaks silence on Ronald Araujo amid transfer interest from Serie A giants Juventus and Arsenal 

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has played down rumors of a potential transfer for Ronald Araujo while lavishing praise on the Uruguayan for being 'one of the best' defenders too.

After spending five months on the sidelines due to an injury he sustained last summer, Araujo returned to action this month. He started in the side's 4-0 drubbing of Barbastro in the Copa del Rey round of 32 but remained an unused substitute in the Spanish Super Cup win over Athletic Bilbao.

During his prolonged absence, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez established themselves as the first-choice defenders at the centre of their backline. Moreover, Araujo's contract negotiations also appear to have stalled for now.

All this has called the 25-year-old's future with the club into question, with the played being linked with an exit. Juventus reportedly made a proposal for the player but it was turned down by Barcelona.

Flick was asked about Araujo's situation but played down exit rumors while praising him too. Speaking to the press ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid on Sunday (January 12), he said (via Barce Universal):

“There have always been rumors since I’ve been here. We have to be professional. Ronald is coming back from a tough injury and we have to look after him. He is back and he is very professional.”

The German also confirmed his desire for Araujo to stay, saying:

“It’s not my job to talk about it, but I want him in my team. He is one of the best defenders.”

Despite this, it's unlikely to see Araujo start in the El Clasico on Sunday, given his recent lack of game time.

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Barcelona to stick with Cubarsi and Martinez in central defense?

Considering that he spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines, it could be too risky to throw Ronald Araujo into the fire against Real Madrid, especially with Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham all in great form. The trio have bagged a combined 37 goals between them in all competitions this season.

Hansi Flick could stick with Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi as centre-backs for the showpiece game in Riyadh, with the players forging a solid partnership over the months. They've played together in 50 official matches for Barcelona, including 22 in LaLiga.