Barcelona: Araujo unhappy with new role amid Bayern Munich links

Araujo has found himself out of Barcelona’s back-three setup in recent weeks.

Ronald Araujo prefers to stay as a centre-back instead of playing on the flanks of Barcelona’s backline.

Araujo’s incredible versatility has seen him play a variety of roles in Barca’s defensive line in recent seasons. The Uruguay international has been deployed in a semi-wing-back role by Xavi Hernandez in recent weeks after Joao Cancelo’s incredible impact in the left-back position.

However, it seems the manager’s decision to use Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, and Inigo Martinez as his first-choice centre-backs hasn’t been received well by Araujo.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the 24-year-old said: “The truth is, I don’t like to play as a full-back.

“That’s the reality, but I always say, wherever the coach and the team ask me I’m going to play and give my best, but obviously I feel very comfortable playing as a centre-back because it’s my natural position and it’s where I can give 100%.”

Last month, reports of Bayern Munich’s interest in signing Araujo emerged, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that Thomas Tuchel is a “big fan” of the defender. Barcelona, on the other hand, are already in the process of offering him a new contract.

Barcelona will continue their La Liga campaign with a crucial match against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.