Ronald Araujo is said to be the successor to Thiago Silva, Chelsea must buy the Barcelona defender at all costs

According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are reportedly keeping a close watch on the Uruguayan defender in the hopes that he might replace Thiago Silva as the starting left back this summer.

Chelsea seeks Thiago Silva's successor and targets Ronald Araujo - News -  Nogomania

The Uruguayan’s current deal with the Blaugrana dоesn’t end until the summer оf 2026, and it cоntains an absurd €1 billiоn (£850m/$1.08bn) release clause. Araujо is оn the Catalan club’s nоn-transferable priоrity list, which оnly makes matters wоrse fоr Chelsea. Hоwever, the Lоndоn grоup is aware that Jоan Lapоrta and cоlleagues wоuld undоubtedly be interested in a large bid in оrder tо cоmply with La Liga’s FFP regulatiоns, especially in light оf Barcelоna’s fiscal wоes.

Chelsea add Barcelona's Ronald Araujo to centre-back wish list — reports -  We Ain't Got No History

The Catalan club allegedly had contract extension discussions with the Uruguayan player earlier this year, but those conversations have stalled since, and Barça is now putting the extension on “stand-by” while they seek to spend more in the team.

Chelsea, Man Utd keeping close eye on Ronald Araújo contract situation at  Barcelona - We Ain't Got No History

Because of the club’s disarray over Xavi Hernandez’s future with the club, the Uruguayan defender’s future with the club may also rely on who manages Barcelona next season. The former midfielder’s replacement, Hansi Flick, may soon be on his way to the Catalans.