Chelsea target Ronald Araujo has played down the talk of leaving Barcelona this coming summer following his long drawn out contract impasse with the Spanish heavyweights.
The central defender has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge with the Blues boss Thoams Tuchel on the hunt for defensive reinforcements to shore up his ranks ahead of the new season.
With Tuchel preparing for life without Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, the former closing in on joining Barcelona on a pre-contract agreement, Araujo had emerged as a top name on the shortlist for Chelsea.
Araujo, however, might have dealt a blow on the transfer front to his suitors, which also includes the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, with the 22-year-old asserting he was keen on staying put at Camp Nou amid speculation linking him with a move elsewhere.
In a report by The Sun, Araujo is quoted insisting that he was happy to extend his stint in the Barca shirt as the player admitted that talks were underway with the Catalan outfit over a new deal.
“I am very happy to be here and happy with the support of the club.
“We are working. This week we have a meeting.
“I hope it will be resolved soon so that I can continue many years at this club. I am optimistic.”
