Aston Villa eye sensational move for Barcelona star

Premier League side Aston Villa reportedly have their eyes set on Barcelona's centre-back Ronald Araujo.

Ronald Araujo is a stalwart in Barcelona's defence. He has been one of their most important players in the past few years, and at the start of the current season, he was named as one of the four captains. This has not deterred Aston Villa, however, as they have the Uruguayan warrior at the top of their shopping list. 

The one-time champions are returning to Europe’s elite competition next season, and they are already making moves in the transfer market to consolidate their position and conquer higher grounds.

According to Dario Sport, Araujo is one such target, and Aston Villa are said to have already initiated contact with Barcelona. Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi were spotted in Barcelona recently, and there are suggestions that the contacts were made over a possible Araujo transfer during the trip. 

Araujo was previously viewed as not transferable by Barcelona, however, his disastrous performance against PSG in the Champions League and the Blaugrana’s precarious financial situation softened their stance. 

Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has reportedly told sporting director Monchi to pursue Leicester City's Super Eagles ace.