Chelsea head to Barcelona for Ronald Araújo after Levi Colwill’s serious injury

Chelsea have set their sights on Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo after Levi Colwill suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury that will sideline the England international for most of the season.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca views Araújo as the ideal replacement, citing his speed, strength, and leadership as perfect qualities for the club’s defensive rebuild.

Barcelona, however, will not let their captain go cheaply. Araújo’s current market value stands at €35 million (approximately R$221 million), but the Catalan club are expected to demand more. Chelsea hope Barça’s ongoing financial troubles and their need to sell in order to register new signings such as Joan García and Marcus Rashford could open the door to negotiations.

The main obstacle remains convincing Araújo to leave Spain. The Uruguayan has repeatedly expressed his love for Barcelona and his desire to stay, despite a disappointing season that saw his market value dip.

While Araújo is Chelsea’s top defensive target, the London club are also assessing alternative centre-back options ahead of the transfer deadline at the end of August.

Chelsea will play two pre-season friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan before opening their Premier League campaign against FA Cup champions Crystal Palace in what promises to be a tough London derby.