Transfer news: Araujo future, Chelsea star certain to leave, Man City exit & Newcastle links with Juve wonderkid

Barcelona and Ronald Araujo on the same page amid Bayern interest

I want to start today’s column by again clarifying my information on the Ronald Araujo situation. While it’s true that he’s a player Bayern Munich really like, with Thomas Tuchel really insisting for the signing, this is far from a straightforward deal for them.

As things stand, my understanding remains that Araujo’s priority is to stay at Barcelona, while Barca also consider him a key player, so talks over a new contract will happen soon. Araujo is ready to discuss a new deal with Barca, so they are on the same page and that’s what I expect will happen.

Of course, Araujo is a top player so it’s normal that a big club like Bayern would be interested, but there has never really been any change to the situation, despite reports. The message from the player’s camp has always been that he’s very happy at Barca, so let’s see now how contract talks will progress – it’s one of the priorities for the Barca board.

Could this Chelsea defender be heading to Crystal Palace?

One player we can expect to move on from their current club is Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. It’s been clear for some time now that he will leave this January, after he came close to a move in the summer, though at the time he turned down an offer from Nottingham Forest.

At the moment, however, there is nothing advanced with any particular club, despite recent links with Crystal Palace, while at points there have also been rumours about Tottenham. I’m not currently aware of any talks taking place, but that will happen soon, because Chalobah will be leaving Chelsea this January, for sure.

The plan has been clear for some time – Chalobah wants to play more, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to