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"He is happy here" - Xavi addresses Barcelona star's future amid exit talk

© Reuters
Barcelona manager Xavi insists that central defender Ronald Araujo is "happy" at Camp Nou amid the speculation surrounding his future.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has insisted that Ronald Araujo is "happy" at Camp Nou amid the speculation surrounding his future with the Catalan giants.

The Uruguay international's contract with Barcelona is due to expire in the summer of 2026, and there has been a host of transfer talk surrounding the defender in recent weeks.

Due to their financial problems, but the Catalan outfit would allegedly be willing to listen to sizeable offers for Araujo, with both Bayern Munich and Manchester United thought to be keen on his signature.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Araujo has been offered a lucrative new deal at Barcelona, with the club proposing a significant pay rise to reflect his importance to the team.

However, the report claims that the South American is yet to issue a response, with the La Liga outfit becoming increasingly concerned that the centre-back will seek a summer move.

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on November 28, 2023© Reuters

Xavi determined to keep Araujo at Camp Nou

Xavi has said that he has made his feelings clear to Araujo and also insisted the defender "is happy" at the club.

"Ronald knows what I think, today I have talked to him, in a sincere way and he knows what I want and hope for his future. He is happy here," Xavi told reporters during his press conference on Wednesday.

Araujo has again been a vital player for Barcelona during the 2023-24 campaign, making 36 appearances in all competitions, including 24 outings in Spain's top flight.

The defender was an unused substitute against Real Sociedad in La Liga on Monday, though, and he is also a doubt for Thursday's clash with Almeria.

"We were fine but there was fatigue. Araujo is still injured and tomorrow we will decide," Xavi added.

FC Barcelona's Sergi Roberto celebrates scoring their second goal on December 20, 2023© Reuters

Which players could leave Barcelona this summer?

Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso only have contracts at Camp Nou until the end of June, and the pair could be on the move this summer.

Barcelona also have big decisions to make when it comes to the futures of Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, with the two players on loan from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectively.

Jules Kounde, Fermin Lopez, Frenkie de Jong, Oriol Romeu, Ferran Torres and Raphinha are also currently being linked with moves away from the Catalan giants.

However, an exit for Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out, with the Poland international's agent insisting that his client will not be leaving this summer.

A loan exit for Vitor Roque is a possibility, but Marc Casado is set to stay, with Xavi revealing that he wants the 20-year-old midfielder to be involved in pre-season.

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