Barcelona face competition from Premier League teams for a target of 20 million euros

On Wednesday, it was reported that Barcelona show interest in Maximiliano Araujo, one of the stars of the 2024 Copa America so far. The 24-year-old is considered a Plan B option in case Nico Williams cannot be signed by Athletic Club, and would be significantly cheaper than the Spain international.

Araujo has a release clause of 20 million euros in his contract with Toluca, and second AS Diary, which would be the price needed to sign him this summer. The Mexican giants have no intention of negotiating the price for the Uruguayan, meaning that Barcelona will probably need to pay 20 million euros as a one-off payment.

Further complications could arise in Barcelona's pursuit of Araujo, as the report also claims that Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are in talks with the player's representatives. No offer has yet been made, although it is expected to come soon, probably after Araujo's contribution to the Copa America is over.

It remains to be seen if Araujo is a serious target for Barcelona. At 20 million euros, it is a good price, although there is a risk that he will not be able to make the step from Mexican football to the League. However, he is performing fantastically on one of the biggest stages in international football, which should dispel some of those doubts.