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Barcelona travel to the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Wednesday (January 8) to face Athletic Bilbao in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final. The Catalans arrive at the game on the back of their 4-0 win over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants have set their sights on an Aston Villa striker. Elsewhere, Ronald Araujo hasn't agreed to join Juventus this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from January 8, 2025.
Barcelona eyeing Jhon Duran
Barcelona are eyeing Jhon Duran with interest, according to SPORT. Club sporting director Deco has apparently held discussions with the player's camp regarding a move in the future.
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Duran has been outstanding for Aston Villa this season, registering 12 goals from 26 games across competitions. However, he has managed only seven starts under Unai Emery and apparently has a love-hate relationship with the Spanish manager.
The situation has raised questions about his long-term stay at Villa Park and the Catalans have sniffed out an opportunity. The LaLiga giants remain in the market for a new No. 9, with Robert Lewandowski set to turn 37 in August this year.
The Pole has been on fire this season, registering 25 goals and two assists from 25 games. However, he cannot be expected to continue forever, and Barcelona are looking to lay down succession plans.
Duran has popped up on their radar and would be open to a move to Camp Nou as well. However, his contract with the Villans runs until 2030 and he is expected to cost a fortune. The Catalans are in financial distress and may struggle to match Villa's asking price.
Ronald Araujo not in talks for Juventus move
Ronald Araujo hasn't agreed to a move to Juventus, according to SPORT. The Uruguayan defender recently returned to full fitness after starting the campaign from the sidelines.
Araujo made his first appearance of the season against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey on Saturday (January 4), as Barcelona won 4-0. The player's future at the club has been subject to speculation for a while, with his contract set to expire in 2026.
Recent reports have suggested that he has already agreed to join the Bianconeri this year. However, Araujo's camp have now rubbished those claims. They have stressed that the 25-year-old remains committed to getting back to his best with the Catalans.
Chelsea enter race for Nico Williams
Chelsea have entered the race to sign Nico Williams this year, according to The Athletic. The Spanish forward was a priority target for Barcelona last summer, but they failed to secure a move.
Williams hasn't been in his element this season, registering two goals and five assists from 24 games across competitions for Athletic Bilbao. However, his stock remains high and the Catalans are likely to return for his services this summer.
The LaLiga giants remain determined to add more firepower to their attack this year and Williams is their preferred choice for the job. However, Bayern Munich and Arsenal are already hot on the player's heels.
The Blues have now entered the fray and could provide stiff competition for the player's signature. Meanwhile, Barcelona's poor finances could pose a problem in the race.
