PL club willing to pay €10m fee to sign 22-year-old Barcelona defender this summer - Reports

With less than a month remaining in the transfer window, Barcelona are looking to offload a few players to make room for new signings. One potential departure could be Julian Araujo, who is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with English club AFC Bournemouth.

The 22-year-old full-back impressed during his loan spell at Las Palmas last season, making 28 appearances under García Pimienta. Although he was initially part of Hansi Flick’s plans for Barcelona’s pre-season in the United States, he has played only 45 minutes across three games and is now considering a move.

Journalist Toni Juanmarti has reported that Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, are the leading contenders for Araujo’s signature. The English club is exploring the deal, with Barcelona setting the price at €10 million. Juanmartí shared this update on his X account:

"Barcelona and Bournemouth negotiate the transfer of Julián Araujo. The English club is willing to reach the €10 million that the Barcelona club is asking for, and finds the offer interesting. The operation is not yet closed but much progress has been made in the last few hours."

Araujo was signed from LA Galaxy at the start of 2023 but was loaned out to Las Palmas for the season without making any appearances for Barcelona. He made 15 starts and played an important role for the club as they finished 16th.

At Bournemouth, Araujo will certainly face competition for the right-back position. The Cherries have already bolstered their defense by acquiring Dean Huijsen from Juventus, and the addition of Araujo will only further strengthen their back-line.

Barcelona looking to offload several players, including Ilkay Gundogan - Reports

Barcelona’s transfer market situation has been difficult, primarily due to financial fair play constraints. They have, however, reportedly reached an agreement to sign Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig for €60 million.

The club is also looking to offload around 10 players to make room for new arrivals. According to Spanish publication SPORT, the likes of Clement Lenglet, Mikayil Faye, Raphinha, Ansu Fati, Vitor Roque, and Ilkay Gundogan could leave if suitable offers arrive.

Regarding new signings, Barcelona missed out on Nico Williams but remain interested in Manchester City’s João Cancelo. While they continue to pursue new signings, Flick has confirmed that no more midfielders will be added after Dani Olmo, as he believes the team already has significant depth in that position.

“We have several injured midfielders with great quality. When they come back we will be a better team and I think I have enough players there,” Flick said.

Following their tour of the United States, the Catalan club are scheduled to face Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy. They will then play their opening La Liga game away against Valencia (August 18) before hosting Athletic Club (August 24)