Overview
- Chelsea are monitoring Ronald Araujo but are not expected to bid in January, with multiple reports citing a potential push next summer if Barcelona’s finances force sales.
- Pete O’Rourke says Chelsea will likely wait on Araujo, reinforcing the view that a winter deal is unlikely despite long‑standing interest.
- Barcelona value Araujo as a key figure this season, with the defender captaining most of his seven appearances, and the club is reluctant to sanction a sale.
- TBR Football and CaughtOffside report Chelsea were offered Araujo but prefer teammate Eric Garcia, who is in contract talks with Barcelona and is seen as a realistic January option.
- Chelsea’s defensive shortages after injuries to Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoît Badiashile and others keep centre‑back recruitment on the agenda, with Nottingham Forest’s Murillo also linked.