and have been dealt a hammer blow in their bid to sign ace Ronald Araujo after the defender confirmed he wants to stay at the club.
The highly-rated centre-back is considered one of the finest defenders in Europe, seeing him heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.
Araujo is out of contract in 2023 and Barcelona have to keep a close eye on their wage bill, which was neglected in recent years and saw leave the club.
That’s seen the Uruguay international linked with a move to Manchester United and Chelsea, with both clubs regularly scouting the defender.
But Araujo has crushed any hope of a move to England by revealing that he’s close to signing a new deal at the Camp Nou.
‘I am very happy to be here and happy with the support of the club,’ said Araujo.
‘And on discussions over a new deal, he added: “We are working. This week we have a meeting.
‘I hope it will be resolved soon so that I can continue many years at this club. I am optimistic.’
Roman Abramovich must complete a sale of Chelsea before the club are able to make signings this summer.
The Blues are currently unable to exchange players after the sanctions imposed on the Russian for his links to president Vladimir Putin.
United are keen on signing a defender, with Phil Jones and Eric Bailly likely to leave the club.
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