Ronald Araujo's new Barcelona contract 'includes €1bn release clause'

Ronald Araujo's new contract at Barcelona is reportedly set to include a whopping release clause of €1bn (£834m).

The Uruguayan defender is on the verge of agreeing a new deal with the Catalan giants following lengthy negotiations, with his current terms due to expire in 2023.

Manager Xavi has confirmed that Araujo has decided to extend his stay with the Catalan giants having become an integral member of the Catalans' backline in the 2021-22 campaign.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal were among those to have been linked with a swoop for Araujo, but journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Barca will deter Premier League interest with a €1bn (£834m) buyout clause.

Romano adds that Araujo's new four-year contract should be officially announced in the coming days, and the club are also optimistic of tying midfield starlet Gavi down to fresh terms.

Araujo has already featured 35 times for La Blaugrana across all tournaments this term, scoring four goals in La Liga in the process.