Xavi reiterates Ronald Araujo stance amid transfer talk

The Uruguay international has again been a vital player for the Catalan outfit this season, making 27 appearances in all competitions, and he has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2026.

The 24-year-old's future at Barcelona is in doubt, though, with Bayern Munich believed to be determined to sign him during this summer's transfer window, while Manchester United are also said to be interested.

Xavi will not be involved in the decision-making process this summer, as he prepares to stand down as Barcelona head coach this summer, but the club's legendary midfielder has insisted that the Catalan side must keep hold of «fundamental player» Araujo.

«For me there is no doubt. Araujo is the present and the future of Barca. He is already one of the captains and a leader in the dressing room. He is a fundamental player for the future of the club,» Xavi told reporters during his press conference on Friday afternoon.

Araujo arrived at Barcelona from Boston River in 2018, and he has made 140 appearances for his current side in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in the process.

Barcelona's ongoing financial problems could lead to them making a couple of big-name sales this summer, and Araujo's future is set to be a topic of much debate in the coming months.

The Catalan outfit drew 1-1 with Napoli in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on Wednesday, and their focus now switches back to La Liga, welcoming Getafe on Saturday afternoon.

The reigning champions are third in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders