Aston Villa are interested in signing Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo during the summer transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Villans manager Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi were both at the temporary ground of the La Liga giants Montjuic to watch Barca take on Valencia, and they discussed informally about the Uruguay international with officials of the La Liga club.
The Villa duo made it clear to the Spanish club that they plan to make an official bid for Araujo if they secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and secure Champions League football for next term.
The Midlands club finished fourth in the 2023-24 English top-flight campaign and will now receive the financial boost needed to make a move for the 25-year-old.
Villa hope they can tempt both Barca and the South American with offers too juicy to turn down, but they are unwilling to meet the €80 million value some at the Spanish club think the player is worth.
Both Emery and Monchi left Montjuic with the feeling that Araujo could be on the market this summer, but they know landing him will not be easy.
Villa also have to sell before they can make major recruitment this summer, and they are ready to cash in on Brazilian centre-back Diego Carlos.
The agent of the South American is already offering him to Premier League clubs, and Villa are now working on tabling an official offer for Araujo.
The Uruguayan has played 150 games for Blaugrana since breaking into the first-team in 2020, and landing such a player will be huge for Villa.
He brings the much-needed experience and quality Villa need as they look to impress in the Champions League next term.
Barca need to sell given their recent financial struggles, but whether they will agree to sell such an important player remains to be seen, and Villa will hope they are able to convince both the club and player in the coming weeks.
