Real Madrid has been keeping a close eye on Ronald Araújo's progress for years. In fact, Fede Valverde's close friend has long been the only Barça player of interest at Bernabéu.
He Came Out victorious from Duels against Vinícius and Benzema
Now more so, given the medical situation of the Real Madrid defense. Ancelotti needs a right-back and a center-back at the same time. Araújo can play in both positions.
He already proved it on the right, marking Vinícius in unforgettable and electric duels. Also in the center, playing as equals to the best version of Benzema.
Araújo could solve two problems for Ancelotti thanks to his versatility. Although we mustn't forget that he has a weak point: his tendency to get injured.
He also gets injured a lot. He currently is, although his return is already imminent and scheduled for December.
Real Madrid is willing to do itself a favor by taking the player. Florentino doesn't mind it if, at the same time, they could do another favor to Barça.
He knows that the 70 million euros he's willing to pay for Araújo can get Laporta out of a tight spot. However, Real Madrid's interests take precedence over personal interests.
The Road to and from Camp Nou-Bernabéu
At Barça, Laporta would be delighted to cash in by selling Araújo. He knows that his flirtating with Real Madrid is not new. He also knows there have been contacts with the white club for years through Fede Valverde.
Although the memory of the Figo case, including the suckling pig, has remained in popular memory, several Real Madrid players have ended up at Barça and vice versa.
Luis Enrique played for Barça after five years at Real Madrid. Alfonso also wore the blaugrana jersey, as did Eto'o and Lopetegui, Hagi and Prosinecki. At Madrid, in addition to Figo, Schuster, Saviola, Luis Milla and Celades, Ronaldo, Laudrup, Nando and Miquel Soler swapped the blue and red for white.
Now the protagonist could be Araújo. Barça needs money and Real Madrid, which has it, needs a center-back who can play as a full-back. Florentino is willing to pay 70 million, a fair price for Laporta, for a player whose contract expires in 2026.
An Unpopular Operation for Laporta
It would be an unpopular move, especially for Laporta at Barcelona. But Barça has plenty of center-backs and wouldn't be particularly affected by the departure of the Uruguayan defender.
Hansi Flick, for his part, has never been able to count on him. Things have not gone so badly without him. Thus, the German would give his approval to his departure if it brings the club a financial benefit.
It would be a good way for Barça and Real Madrid to re-establish their institutional relations. Right now they are broken by Real Madrid's involvement in the Negreira case and Barça's in the Slaughter case. Barça's distancing from the Super League project hasn't helped this cold war either.