Xavi reveals Barcelona’s next contract priority after Dembele saga

As Ousmane Dembele appears unlikely to sign a new contract, Barcelona have turned their attention to Ronald Araujo.

Convincing Ronald Araujo to sign a new long-term contract is a priority for Barcelona, according to manager Xavi Hernandez.

The 22-year-old Uruguayan is in the final 18 months of his current deal at Camp Nou. Reports have linked him with moves to several clubs. Manchester City and Manchester United are allegedly among them. Marca has even claimed the Red Devils could ‘make a big offer’ to entice the defender to Old Trafford.

So, as contract talks with Ousmane Dembele have hit a dead end, Barcelona’s focus has shifted to Araujo.

🗣[ @gerardromero🥇] | Ronald Araujo wants to renew and stay at Barcelona. He had a problem with one of his agents due to some of the information that was leaked to the press. #fcblive pic.twitter.com/vuUwESlS24

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) February 6, 2022

“He [Araujo] is a priority,” said Xavi in a press conference on Saturday.

“We are happy with his performance because he gives us a lot. He is a center-back that is realistic. He is a person who is wanted from inside the dressing room and his renovation is prioritized.

“We are going to see if he and his representative get an agreement with the club. He is an important piece of the present and future.”

Araujo joined Barcelona in August 2019 from Uruguayan club Boston River in a €4.70 million deal. After a spell in the B team, he has made 63 first-team appearances and scored four goals.

Another contract priority for the Catalan club is 17-year-old midfielder Gavi, whose current deal runs until June 2023. The teenager and Araujo are both in the squad for Sunday’s match against top-four La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid.