Barcelona sporting director Deco is reportedly expecting a summer bid from Bayern Munich for star centre-back Ronaldo Araujo.
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Bayern Munich interested in Ronald AraujoUruguayan defender intends to stay in JanuaryBayern set to make a mammoth offer this summerWHAT HAPPENED?
The Bavarians reportedly hold a long-standing interest in Araujo, who has become indispensable for Xavi at Barcelona. And although he has ruled out a winter move, the Blaugrana are preparing for the likelihood of a €100 million (£86m/$109m) summer bid, according to .
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Xavi may be reluctant to sell, but the Blaugrana are still in financial trouble. Joan Laporta's famous levers alleviated some stress last summer, but a company failing to meet a deadline leaves the Catalan club €40m (£35m/42m) short on promised funds.
WHAT RONALD ARAUJO SAID
Araujo rubbished talk of a January exit in an interview earlier this week: "In every transfer window there are rumors of all kinds. It's normal. The only thing I can say is that I'm focused on the team and also on this club. I'm comfortable here and I always try to give everything for this shirt. They are always rumors that appear in all markets. There was talk in the summer about Manchester United, but I am focused on Barca. And I will always give one hundred percent."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARAUJO
While transfer talk doesn't seem set to subside anytime soon, the centre-back will likely continue to feature for the Blaugrana. They face off against Osasuna in the Spanish Supercopa semi-final Thursday evening.