Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their efforts to land Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo in the summer with bitter rivals Manchester United in the mix.
The 22-year-old Uruguayan is understood to currently be one of the lowest earners in Barcelona camp and is demanding a major hike in his wages to renew his terms beyond the end of the season.
Araujo has emerged as a name on the shortlist at Stamford Bridge with Thomas Tuchel on the lookout for defensive reinforcements to provide cover for the imminent departures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen.
According to a report from the Spanish news outlet Marca, it is claimed that with Manchester United throwing their hat in the ing for the Camp Nou contract rebel Araujo, Chelsea have launched a strong approach to avoid losing out on their transfer target.
Barcelona, however, remain interested in tying down the central defender to a new long-term deal heading into the summer and have begun talks with a host of first-team regulars who are soon to be out of contract, including Araujo.
