Reports have emerged suggesting that Arsenal are set to offer Barcelona over £50m for defender Ronald Araujo. 

The Gunners are yet to make a move in the January transfer window, but are keen to add names as they aim to catch up to Premier League leaders Liverpool, who are six points ahead with a game in hand.

Mikel Arteta‘s side sit second in the league, and third in the Champions League, but look to have difficulty winning silverware this season after a loss on penalties to rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup third round.

Despite all the talk surrounding whether Arsenal should sign a striker, reports have suggested that they are set to make a bid for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.

According to the Standard, Arsenal could offer a £50m plus bid to sign the Uruguay international, who has also generated interest from Serie A side Juventus.

The 25-year-old’s contract at the Nou Camp expires in June 2026, meaning that he could be up for sale over the next year, in order for Barcelona to get some form of return for him.

Araujo has made just two appearances for the La Liga side this season after falling out of favour with manager Hansi Flick, sparking suggestions that he could be on the move this month.

The defender came through Barcelona’s B team, before signing for the first team in October 2020. He has since made 152 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring eight goals and six assists.

How would Araujo fit into Arteta’s Arsenal team?

Araujo is naturally a centre-back, however he can play across the back line, and also as a right-back, which could be handy for Arteta.

The Arsenal boss has been forced to play midfielder Thomas Partey at right-back in recent weeks, so the addition of Araujo would allow Partey to move back to his natural defensive midfield spot.

The report suggests that Juventus are already in talks with the Uruguayan over a move to Turin, so if Arsenal want to sign him, they will need to send an offer in as soon as possible.