Manchester City is preparing a massive offensive for the winter transfer market. The sharp decline of Pep Guardiola's team, due to injuries and recurring defensive errors, has forced the Catalan coach to request at least two or three 'top' reinforcements in January. For the manager, one of the priority positions to reinforce in January, besides the pivot (the absence of Rodri has been crucial), is the center of the defense.
In just 16 matchdays of the Premier League, the 'sky blue' team has conceded 23 goals, 11 fewer than they received in the entire last season in the tournament. In the Champions League, the team's performance has also been very poor, with only a couple of victories in 6 appearances and 9 goals conceded. In this regard, the coach has already chosen his next defender to overcome the defensive crisis.
According to the latest reports, Pep has set his sights on one of the center-backs from Barça. It is none other than Ronald Araujo, a defender who, despite his bad luck with injuries, remains highly valued in the European market. The Uruguayan international is just hoping to add his first minutes of the season this Saturday against Atlético de Madrid, but he is confident in quickly regaining competitive rhythm, as well as a starting position under Hansi Flick's orders.
The City could tempt Barça with an offer for Ronald Araujo
For the upcoming market, the Manchester board will not spare any expenses, and Barça could take advantage of this stance. In Araujo's case, the 'charrúa' is still considered 'non-transferable', but the need to raise funds to finally overcome the issues with financial 'Fair Play', along with an offer from the 'cityzens', could change Joan Laporta's mind.
Initially, City would be willing to pay between 70 and 80 million euros for the '4' from Barça, an amount similar to what Bayern Munich offered months ago. The Bavarians received a resounding "no", and considering that Flick sees the 25-year-old defender as a key piece for the second half of the season, it seems unlikely that the player from Rivera will leave in January. In any case, the player will have the final say, as the stance of the Barça board is clear: no key player will be forced to leave.