Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly continuing to monitor the contractual situation of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.
The two Premier League giants are currently going through a period of transition, the hope being that they can eventually challenge for the Premier League title once again.
As it stands, though, they each possess unbalanced sides, with United struggling in attack and Chelsea performing inconsistently in defence.
United sit in 12th place in the Premier League standings after eight games, while Chelsea are sixth albeit after only losing to Manchester City and Liverpool.
Once the January transfer window comes round, it is anticipated that both clubs will give consideration to further additions should they remain on the right side of the division's financial regulations.
Araujo remains on radar
Champions League football ideally needs to be achieved for that to be guaranteed in the long term, and concrete targets may not be identified until it is determined whether that is a realistic target later in the season.
Nevertheless, according to Caught Offside, both clubs still have Araujo placed highly on their respective shortlists.
The 25-year-old is still yet to make a single appearance during 2024-25 courtesy of the hamstring injury that he sustained while representing Uruguay at the Copa America.
Nevertheless, he remains one of the most highly-regarded defenders currently competing in Europe through 150 appearances being made in a Barcelona shirt.
There are now less than two years remaining on his contract and the Catalan giants are not in a position where they can risk losing Araujo on a free transfer in 2026.
Hansi Flick's side are already top of the La Liga table without Araujo in their side, making it feasible that they could choose to cash in during the January or summer transfer window.
Contract talks ongoing...
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has previously indicated that he is eager to retain Araujo's services, yet there will realism over the situation should a contract extension remain unsigned.
Even if that does not materialise, Barcelona would still be demanding in the region of £40m if clubs make approaches for Araujo at the end of the season.
Araujo's versatility would suit both United and Chelsea, the former River Plate more experienced in the middle of defence but also capable of being deployed at right-back.
