Everything has changed at Chelsea in the last few hours. The blue planning has taken a hard hit, as the serious injury of Levi Colwill has been confirmed. The English center-back will miss almost the entire season that has yet to begin, creating a major setback for Enzo Maresca.
Colwill, untouchable in the center of defense, won't be able to play for much of the campaign. At Stamford Bridge, they've already started working to solve the problem. Given the current situation, they've already made direct contact with Barça to inquire about one of its franchise center-backs.
Laporta receives the call
The portal "Fichajes.net" has revealed that Chelsea has shown interest in Ronald Araujo. He has a contract until 2031 with Barça and his low-cost release clause of 60 million euros recently disappeared. This means that, if they move forward with signing the Uruguayan, a negotiation between clubs is necessary.
The truth is that Chelsea sees Araujo as an ideal opportunity to strengthen the center of its defense. At 26 years old, he has top-level experience and a play style that fits perfectly in the Premier League. Right now, his status is lower than ever after another inconsistent campaign, with performances that haven't been up to the standard of a club like Barça.
In this regard, the proposal from London for Ronald Araujo could reach 54 million USD (50 million euros), trying to convince all parties involved.
Barça has already replied
What FC Barcelona has made clear is that, right now, Ronald Araujo is untouchable. They can't allow the Uruguayan center-back to leave after the surprising departure of Íñigo Martínez to Saudi soccer.
Everything would change if the Uruguayan defender himself were to request a transfer, but that seems highly unlikely. In the last few hours, his temporary promotion as first captain of FC Barcelona has been confirmed, while the Basque's departure has reopened the door for him to return to the starting line-up.
For all these reasons, it seems highly unlikely that Ronald Araujo could head to Chelsea. Additionally, there isn't much time left in the transfer window. Therefore, at Stamford Bridge, they'll have to look for another replacement for Levi Colwill, who has suffered an injury that has changed all their plans.