Atlético Madrid consider move for Barcelona defender

Atlético Madrid have this week been credited with an interest in the signature of a member of the defensive ranks at La Liga rivals Barcelona.

The Blaugrana star in the sights of the Metropolitano brass? Ronald Araújo.

Stopper Araújo is for his part of course fresh off what proved to be a challenging campaign all told in Catalunya’s capital in 2025/26.

Targeted so ruthlessly with criticism, the Uruguayan at one point required a break from football entirely, to focus on his struggles with mental health.

Coupled with injury problems and mounting competition for places in Hansi Flick’s backline, Araújo found himself acting as a backup, rather than a starter.

One individual who remains a keen admirer of the talents boasted by the 27-year-old, though, comes in the form of Diego Simeone.

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo:

‘Diego Simeone likes his aggressive and powerful style of play. Atlético Madrid might consider him now that their centre-backs Giménez and Lenglet have left.’

Atléti could attempt to make use of negotiations with Barcelona over Julián Alvarez to gauge the likelihood of Araújo heading in the opposite direction.

Conor Laird – GSFN