Hansi Flick gives Ronald Araujo verdict amid Arsenal & Juventus links

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick stressed his desire to keep centre-back Ronald Araujo amid strong transfer rumours labelling the Uruguayan "one of the best defenders" in world football.

Araujo has missed the majority of Flick's reign to date after suffering a long-term injury during last summer's Copa America, only making his first appearance under the German coach in the Copa del Rey victory over Barbastro at the start of the new year.

With Araujo's contract expiring in 2026 and uncertainty growing over his future, Juventus and Arsenal have been strongly linked with the 25-year-old during the current January transfer window.

Talks over a new deal with Barcelona have stalled, leaving the door ajar for potential suitors. Juventus and Arsenal are the clubs most interested in Araujo at present, but there are likely to be others chasing the talented defender.

Asked about Araujo's future amid increasing fears over an exit, Flick revealed his admiration for the Barcelona defender and expressed his desire to keep him in Catalonia.

"When I started as a coach I saw that there were a lot of rumours," the German boss admitted. "Ronald came back from a terrible injury and is now fit to play. He is a good option and he is very professional.

"I think we have looked after him very well. It is not my job to talk about rumours, but I want him in my team. He is one of the best defenders."

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are not interested in selling Araujo this month but could be tempted by a bid that meets their reported valuation of €70m (£59m). In fact, they have already rebuffed Juventus' opening offer for the centre-half.

The same publication also revealed that Arsenal would have an advantage over their Italian rivals should Araujo decide to leave Barcelona, with the player preferring a move to the Premier League.

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