Report: Barcelona reject Juventus 1st offer for Araujo

Barcelona have reportedly rejected an offer from Juventus for Uruguayan central defender Ronald Araujo, who is said to be unsettled at the club. 

The 25-year-old has been one of the most important components in Barcelona's defence in recent years, and last season, he was named as one of the club's four captains. 

However, a red card that led to the disappointing exit to PSG in last season's Champions League quarterfinal, which earned him vitriolic criticism from members of the Barcelona fanbase and public rebuke from then-teammate Ilkay Gundogan, plus the rise of the Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez centre-back partnership this season, is believed to have left Araujo reconsidering his future. 

The former Barcelona Athletic defender only recently returned to action, as he sustained a long-term injury in last summer’s Copa America. 

He made his return in a Copa Del Rey clash against Barbastros, and his performance earned him immense praise from Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick, who tagged him a real leader. Hence, it came as a surprise when reports of a possible exit began to gain ground.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Serie A giants Juventus had him at the top of their shopping list. 

According to the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Juventus have approached Barcelona with an offer which was immediately rebuffed. According to the report, the record Copa Del Rey winners will only sell Araujo for an offer equal to or greater than €70 million.

Barcelona are currently in Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa de Espana. They beat Athletic Club in the semi-final and will face Real Madrid for an El Clasico final tomorrow.