Chelsea reach an agreement with 22-year-old La Liga ace to replace defensive colossus

Chelsea reach an agreement with Ronald Araujo to potentially replace Antonio Rudiger

According to the Catalan publication El Nacional (h/t The Mirror), Chelsea appear to have reached an agreement with Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo as a potential replacement for Antonio Rudiger.

The 22-year-old has been an emerging talent in La Liga since he was promoted from the Barcelona B team. Initially, he burst onto the scene with his defensive abilities but, he has improved his technical side over the last year. What is impressive about him is how he stands out in a team that has struggled defensively all season.

Rudiger looks set to see out his current contract expire at the end of the 2021-22 season. The Blues have given up trying to renew his deal as negotiations have failed to get anywhere. They have eyed Araujo as a suitable replacement and have successfully reached an agreement for his services.

The Barca centre-back has been given promises of a fair contract and has been guaranteed game time by Roman Abramovich and Thomas Tuchel, respectively. Supposedly, that has helped them in reaching an agreement with the player.

Doubtful or reliable?

Those who have followed the Blaugrana club recently would know that they are in a rebuilding phase due to the damages done by the previous board. The Uruguay international is a part of their current set of youngsters who are crucial for them to re-emerge into their glory days.

While he is not a La Masia graduate, he has made great connections with others who came through the club’s ranks. Arguably their best defender, he has everything at the moment, which would help him have a successful career. For that reason, it is hard to believe that we have in fact reached an agreement with him. The only way it could make sense is if he has doubts about the new project that is being set up at Camp Nou.

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Moreover, to say that Tuchel has guaranteed him minutes is debatable. We have seen first-hand how he has given chances to fringe players when they have impressed. There are no guarantees under him, and performances determine whether you play or not.

If we somehow get the La Liga superstar, it would be a great piece of business made by the West London club. But for the above reasons, we should take this with a pinch of salt until we get more reliable confirmation.