The 23-year-old has emerged as a top Premier League target after becoming a regular starter for cash-strapped Barcelona, forcing manager Xavi to bench players like Clement Lenglet and, to a lesser extent, the injured Samuel Umtiti.
However, the Catalan giants appear to be playing with fire in their attempts to retain the player on a long-term basis.
According to Cataluyna Radio, Barcelona has decided not to raise the contract renewal terms for Araujo, despite having offered him three times his current salary during the initial offer.
The Uruguayan goalkeeper turned down the first offer, despite rumors that he wants more. Indeed, the player is said to be after a salary comparable to that of the highly regarded duo Pedri and Ansu Fati.
The Red Devils reportedly offered a €8 million salary package, while Arsenal proposed €6 million per year – the same as Barcelona’s offer.
Juventus is also keeping an eye on the situation, but Barcelona is content to play hardball for the time being.
Araujo has been an important player for Xavi since his return to the club. In his side’s 4-0 win at the Bernabeu last weekend, he even played at right-back and kept Vinicius Jr quiet.
The defender is also a dangerous goal threat, having scored four times this season. Three of his four goals have come against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla.
