Barcelona consider La Liga star as Ronald Araújo replacement

Barcelona is considering signing Athletic Club center-back Aymeric Laporte before the summer ends, according to a report cited by Barca insider Víctor Navarro. The move is tied to an expected departure of Ronald Araújo from Catalunya’s capital. With Hansi Flick’s central defense options—Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Andreas Christensen (con problemas recurrentes) y el canterano Álvaro Cortés—Barcelona is also evaluating alternatives like Eric García and Jules Koundé, but both have largely been used as full-backs. The club’s directors, led by Deco, have reportedly opened a new market search. Laporte has been on Athletic’s roster and formed a strong partnership with Pau Cubarsí en route to Spain winning the World Cup this summer.