Bayern Munich open to swapping €70 million midfielder for Barcelona captain
Bayern Munich were one of Ronald Araujo’s top suitors when the defender was facing a moment of uncertainty in January, regarding his future at Barcelona.
But the Catalans did not even negotiate with the Bavarians over the Uruguayan international, who remains one of the club’s most important players.
Deco has already suggested that Barça are ready to hand Araujo a new contract, in an attempt to seal his long-term future at the club.
Bayern considering a swap deal
Bayern Munich, though, have not given up on Araujo and are likely to come back for him in the summer transfer window.
In fact, the Bavarians have already sensed a potential opportunity to allure Barcelona by offering Joshua Kimmich.
Indeed, Bayern are considering a swap deal this summer involving Araujo and Kimmich, one of Barcelona’s long-term midfield targets.
This is according to AS, which suggests that Bayern are well aware of Barcelona’s desperation to sign someone like Kimmich this summer.
The number six position, after all, has proven to be a bit of an Achilles heel for the Catalans, especially following the departure of Sergio Busquets last summer.
Bayern’s valuation for Kimmich: €60-70 million
However, given how highly Barcelona rate Araujo, the Blaugrana might not consider such a swap deal. But they will remain keen on acquiring the services of Kimmich nonetheless.
The German is not entirely content with Bayern right now. He had multiple fallouts with coach Thomas Tuchel, which has led to speculation over his potential exit in the summer.
However, even though Kimmich’s current deal at Bayern expires in 2025, Bayern have no intention to offload the midfielder on a cut-price deal.
If Barcelona want to sign the German international through a pure cash deal, they would have to shell out €60-70 million, the report adds.
Kimmich, for his part, would ‘love’ to join Barça but his entourage has doubts about the Blaugrana’s ability to meet his valuation. And with the prospect of swapping Araujo unlikely to be entertained, it remains to be seen how things proceed.
