Massive twist in the transfer saga of Juventus and FC Barcelona's star

Ronaldo Araújo is being targeted by Juventus for a potential move. (Image credits - FMT, License Details)

Juventus are again making the headlines as they look to strengthen their squad this month. The club has been linked to some world-class players this winter, whose transfers would be quite eye-catching.

The Old Lady completed the signing of Randal Kolo Muani just 2 days ago on a loan deal with Paris Saint-Germain. The French striker was Juve’s first signing of this transfer window and surely wouldn't be their last.

Juventus identify the Barcelona defender as their top target in this transfer window

Juventus are primarily focusing on strengthening their defense as soon as possible after a lackluster start to the season. The Vecchia Signora are currently unbeaten in Serie A but find themselves in 5th place in the points table.

They are also placed at the 14th place in the UEFA Champions League points table. With their defense looking a bit disorganized and vulnerable, Thiago Motta, Juve’s manager, has identified FC Barcelona’s star centre-back as the solution to their problems.

Ronaldo Araújo has been a formidable force for Barcelona since his debut for the club back in 2019. While Araújo didn't have the same level of impact back then, the Uruguayan has grown incredibly to become the powerhouse in Barcelona’s defense.

Araújo was a key figure for Barça in their previous campaign. Impressing with his aerial prowess and the ability to regain possession, Araújo averaged 4.60 recoveries per 90 minutes and an aerial dual win percentage of 72.6%. The centre-back was a powerhouse last season, making 36 starts in the 37 games that Barcelona played across all competitions, clocking 3,270 minutes on the field, according to FootyStats.

However, Araújo has had his appearances limited this season due to a major injury at the beginning of the season, which sidelined the Uruguayan for more than 4 months. Araújo has returned to action for Barcelona recently, causing Juventus to reignite their interest in the 25-year-old defender.

Massive twist in the saga

Several reports recently claimed that Juventus were “very close” to reaching an agreement with Araújo, with the player also reportedly “considering” the potential move. Araújo’s teammates and even club president, Joan Laporta, were also seen talking to the player to try and convince him to stay after their Supercopa de España win over Real Madrid.

The increasing speculation had worried not just the fans but even the players at the club. In a viral video, teammate Robert Lewandowski was seen exchanging a few words with Araújo, attempting to convince him to stay. All this indicated that a move to Juve, even if not in January, looked very likely to happen.

However, the latest updates provided by the reputed Fabrizio Romano have completely turned the saga on its head. The Italian journalist has claimed that Ronald Araújo has agreed in principle to sign a contract extension with Barcelona. The club will be finalizing the deal within the upcoming days, potentially putting an end to the entire Juventus saga.