"The club has started talks" - Barcelona star confirms contract discussions

The centre-back's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with both Bayern Munich and Manchester United thought to be interested in signing the Uruguay international.

There have been claims that the La Liga champions would be open to a big-money sale this summer due to their financial problems, but the club's head coach Xavi recently said that he 'only sees Araujo at Barcelona'.

The 25-year-old has now addressed his future, insisting that he is «very happy» with his current situation and revealing that discussions over a fresh deal have been opened.

«The truth is that it's going well. The club has started talks with my agents. We are thinking about these games and what remains of the season. And when the season is over, they will sit down and talk,» Barca Universal quotes him as saying at the unveiling of his new book.

«The future is always talked about, and it will be like that every year, but I am very happy in Barcelona, ​​my family is happy here. I show it on the field by giving my all, and I will fight until the end for Barcelona to return to what it has always been.»

Araujo, who has a deal at Camp Nou until June 2026, has again been a key player for Barcelona this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions, but he was sent off against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday in the second leg of his side's Champions League quarter-final.

The defender was given his marching orders in the 29th minute of the match following a challenge on Bradley Barcola, and Barcelona went on to lose 4-1 in the second leg,