Barcelona director Deco has this afternoon moved to shut down any and all remaining speculation linking Ronald Araújo with a move to German heavyweights Bayern Munich.
It is of course common knowledge across the continent that stopper Araújo has been identified as a leading target on the part of the transfer team at Bundesliga champions Bayern.
Amid a long-standing search for fresh blood at the back, Thomas Tuchel views the Uruguayan as the ideal profile for not only the present, but the foreseeable future, too.
In turn, it has been reported in the media that Bayern are giving consideration to a big-money proposal, in an effort to bring Araújo to the Allianz Arena in the summer.
Speaking to the media on Monday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of the speculation surrounding the club’s defensive stalwart was put to Barcelona director Deco.
As alluded to above, though, the Portuguese was in no mood to mince words.
During an exchange with Movistar, as cited by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Deco reiterated that Araújo is simply ‘not for sale’ under any circumstances:
“Bayern want Ronald Araújo? We are not considering selling him. He’s not for sale. He’s one of the key players for Barça’s future.
“We want him to be happy and this is shown on a day-to-day basis. There’s nothing to talk about.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
