It seems Manchester United’s pursuit of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo might be hitting a dead end, despite their willingness to shell out up to £68 million for his services. Barcelona’s stance on Araujo’s potential departure seems to have shifted, with new manager Hansi Flick expressing a desire to retain him and offload other defenders instead.

This change in Barcelona’s strategy likely stems from their need to balance their financial books by June 30. Initially, Araujo was viewed as a prime candidate for sale, but Flick’s arrival has prompted a reassessment of the situation. Barcelona is now prioritizing contract talks with Araujo, signaling their intent to keep him at the club.

For Manchester United, this development means they may need to pivot to alternative targets in their quest for a central defender. While Araujo seemed like an ideal fit due to his age and skill set, the shifting dynamics suggest that securing his signature may not be feasible.

United’s need for a right-footed center-back remains, and there are other options available in the market. Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande and Lille’s Leny Yoro are both mentioned as potential targets, each valued at around £51 million. Exploring these alternatives could be the next logical step for United as they seek to reinforce their defensive line ahead of the upcoming season.