Juventus target Ronald Araujo is close to committing his long-term future to his current club Barcelona, despite an approach from the Bianconeri earlier this month, according to reports from Spain. 

Despite signing Alberto Costa from Vitoria SC and having secured a deal with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani, Juve are still on the lookout for another defensive addition this month. 

Juventus had reportedly submitted a proposal to sign Araujo on an initial loan deal worth €5m with an obligation to buy for €20m plus a further €5m in bonuses later down the line, but Barcelona were seeking a fee of more than double that amount, closer to the €70m mark. 

Juventus target closing in on Barcelona extension

There have been conflicting reports over Auarjo’s personal desire. Some outlets suggested that he had given his approval to a move to Juventus, while others claimed that he wanted to stay on with Barca. 

Reports from Spanish outlet Sport, however, claim that Araujo is now close to putting pen to paper on a new and improved, long-term contract. 

Araujo’s representatives reportedly met with with Barca’s sporting director, Deco, on Friday and Sport claim that talks for a contract renewal are on course. 

An agreement could even be found as early as next week, according to Friday’s report.