Chelsea already eyeing highly-rated Barcelona star as Thiago Silva replacement

Chelsea want Barcelona star Ronald Araujo to replace Thiago Silva

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are looking at Barcelona star Ronald Araujo as a replacement for Thiago Silva, who confirmed his exit from the club after spending five years and winning the Champions League.

Despite being one of the most important defenders at Barcelona, Araujo’s future has not been certain at the club, and the Uruguayan continues to be linked with an exit. The 25-year-old has two years left on his contract.

However, Barcelona could cash in on the player if a suitable offer arrives, and the Blues have long been interested in signing the Barcelona player. They see him as the perfect successor to the departed Brazilian centre-back.

Araujo has established himself as a mainstay under Xavi, but if the club receives a big offer, Barcelona could look to sell the defender, and for the Blues, Araujo ticks all the boxes to be Silva’s replacement next season.

He is notable for his resilient defence and willingness to make the right plays with the ball. Because of his quickness, the 25-year-old can chase down and take down an opponent even if they manage to get by him. South American defenders’ passion for the game is what makes them standout players and Silva was the latest example.

On top of that, Barcelona are facing financial issues and will hope to offload some key players to generate substantial revenue. Araujo could be one of them, and the Blues should pounce on the opportunity to sign him because the Blues back line needs that aggressive defender.

He is also a versatile defender and can also operate as a right-back as we have witnessed when Xavi deployed him on the right side when Barcelona faced Real Madrid in order to minimise the Vinicius JR threat.

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However, his only flaw is his ball-playing ability, but with more time and coaching, he should be able to overcome it and emerge as Chelsea’s star defender. Araujo so meets the requirements to take Silva’s place in the team.