Barcelona reject bid from Juventus as Manchester United enter race to sign 25-year-old star - Reports

Barcelona have turned down Juventus' offer for Ronald Araujo amid interest from Manchester United, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Uruguayan defender's future at Camp Nou remains up in the air after dropping down the pecking order under Hansi Flick.

Araujo missed the start of the season with an injury, and the Catalans found a new center-back pairing in Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi. The 25-year-old has subsequently struggled to break into the starting XI since returning to full fitness.

Araujo has managed just one appearance for the LaLiga giants so far and Juventus were keen to prise him away this month. However, their opening offer was deemed insufficient by Barcelona.

Manchester United are apparently eyeing the situation with interest. The Red Devils' backline have struggled under Ruben Amorim, letting in 23 goals in 12 games.

With Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof likely to leave at the end of the season, the Premier League giants are expected to invest in a new defender this year. Manchester United are long-term admirers of Araujo and now have an opportunity to sign him this month.

Barcelona are not actively looking to offload the Uruguayan. However, his contract expires in 2026 and the club are aware that his value could decrease by the end of this campaign. As such, the Catalans are ready to let him leave for €70m this month.

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Are Barcelona eyeing a Manchester United star?

Athletic Club de Bilbao v FC Barcelona: Spanish Super Cup - Source: Getty

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford this month. The Englishman is no longer a first-team regular under Ruben Amorim and the Red Devils are ready to let him go.

Rashford has struggled for form in the past 18 years. This season, the 27-year-old has scored seven goals and set up three more from 24 games for Manchester United.

However, he has appeared just six times under Amorim, starting only three games. Most importantly, he hasn't featured for the club in the last six games across competitions.

Despite his poor form, Rashford's stock remains high and clubs are lining up for his services this month. Barcelona are apparently among his suitors and have already held talks with the player's entourage regarding a deal.

The Catalans are reportedly counting on the Ronald Araujo deal to help facilitate the transfer. Marcus Rashford could arrive at Camp Nou this month, and it has been reported that he is willing to take a pay cut to make the move.