Araujo unlikely to leave in Jan as Chelsea and Liverpool monitor

Chelsea and Liverpool are among several top clubs monitoring Barcelona centreback Ronald Araújo, but a January transfer for the 26 year old now appears unlikely, a transfer correspondent said, with any move more likely to be examined ahead of next summer if Barcelona's finances force a sale. The immediate prospect of Araújo leaving Camp Nou in the midseason window is tempered by the defender's contract situation and Barcelona's stated reluctance to weaken a squad still competing for domestic and European honours.

Araujo has been a regular presence in Barcelona's defence and has captained the side in recent matches. He is under contract until 2031, and a transfer correspondent said there is a release clause reported at around 52 million. The same correspondent added, "I don't see any move in January for Araujo," noting that Barcelona would be unlikely to part with a key defender midway through a campaign when they aim to challenge for La Liga and make a deep run in the Champions League. The correspondent also said the player appears content at Barcelona and is not in a rush to leave.

Both Premier League clubs have reasons to monitor the Uruguay international. Liverpool's...