Barcelona 'make progress in Ronald Araujo contract talks'

Barcelona have reportedly made progress in their attempts to tie Ronald Araujo down to a new deal at Camp Nou.

The 22-year-old centre-back is currently due to become a free agent in the summer of 2023 and is thought to be on the radar of Manchester United and Chelsea.

Araujo has established himself as a regular fixture in Barcelona's first XI this season, though, and Xavi has publicly stated his desire to keep the Uruguay international at the club.

According to Sport, Barcelona have tabled a new-and-improved offer for Araujo after seeing their first proposal rejected, but there is still a long way to go before an agreement can be struck.

The report adds that Araujo is after a salary that reflects his role as one of Xavi's key players, and the defender has three offers from Premier League clubs if a deal cannot be struck with La Blaugrana.

Araujo has scored three goals in 27 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions this season and played the full 90 minutes in Sunday's 4-1 thumping of Valencia.