Chelsea are one of the clubs that have reportedly held talks with Barcelona star Ronald Araujo over a summer move, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Araujo has been a player that has been linked with a move to the Premier League for the last few seasons and he could once again be on the transfer market if Barcelona make a decision on his future.

While the centre-back has been linked with a move away – the 25-year-old has repeatedly stressed his desire to stay at the Catalan outfit.

Bailey has reported on TBR Football that Barcelona are in talks to extend the defender’s contract as they are not keen to let him depart the club at the end of the season.

However, the journalist states that several people in Barcelona’s hierarchy believe selling the Uruguayan would be the right decision for the club to bring in some funds to help the clubs financial issues.

But Bailey does also claim that CHELSEA among those and they have already held talks with intermediaries to sign the South American.

It is understood the defender, whose contract expires in 2026, has a €1 billion (£855.6m/$1.1b) release clause

Several top European clubs including Bayern Munich and Manchester United are also keen on signing the Uruguay international.

He said earlier in the season: “My future depends on the club. Everyone knows I’m very happy here at Barca. And I’m very grateful to (manager) Xavi. We are very happy with the qualification, we played a great game at home.

‘The support of our fans was very key from the first minute.”

IcFootballnews View…

If Barcelona make the decision to sell the defender in the Summer window – he would be a brilliant addition to that CHELSEA side – especially with all the rumours linking Thiago Silva with a move back to his homeland.

But it will be interesting to see how this all plays out – and if Barcelona do decide to sell Araujo – Chelsea should make a move to try and get a deal done