Liverpool want deal for €50m defender

There is plenty of uncertainty around Liverpool’s centre-back position right now. The Reds missed out on signing Marc Guehi right at the end of the summer transfer window - with Crystal Palace declining to do business at the 11th hour.

Palace’s decision to pull out of the deal has potentially left Liverpool a little short at centre-back - with Arne Slot only a couple of injuries or suspensions away from having to find stopgap solutions.

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Aside from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool have only got Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni available as centre-back options. The club were ready to listen to offers for Gomez last summer - and Leoni is untested at just 18 years old.

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Factor in the Konate contract situation and you can see why the powerbrokers at Anfield might be shortlisting central defenders.

Could Ronald Araujo arrive at Anfield?

While Guehi we believe to be the primary target, there are other names being mentioned as potential Anfield arrivals. One such name is Ronald Araujo - the Barcelona centre-back under contract until 2031.

Valued at around €50m, the Uruguay international is no longer first choice at Camp Nou following the emergence of Pau Cubarsi.

The cash-strapped Catalans may well be prepared to listen to offers for their vice-captain. According to a report in Fichajes, Liverpool are the top contenders to do just that.

Liverpool monitoring Ronald Araujo

“One of the main interested parties in Ronald Araujo is Liverpool,” the report reads.

“The English club has been monitoring the Uruguayan for some time and believes he could be a strategic reinforcement for their defense.

“In England, they see Ronald Araujo as a market opportunity. Liverpool is reportedly willing to put €50 million on the table for the center-back.”

Arne Slot described as Araujo fan

It’s not the first time Araujo has been linked with Anfield - with Arne Slot described as a big fan last season. Van Dijk will be out of contract in 2027 and Araujo could potentially have the presence and physique to fill in for the Dutchman once he departs.

Araujo, 26, started the LaLiga season with the Barcelona’s captain’s armband - playing in their first two games of the campaign.

But he’s found himself back on the bench in recent weeks as Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Cubarsi have re-established themselves in the lineup.

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