Chelsea have been strongly linked with a new central defender this month, with three centre-backs' futures in doubt.
Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta all see their contracts at Stamford Bridge come to an end in the summer, with all three of their futures up in the air at the moment.
According to a report from the Evening Standard on Tuesday afternoon, Barcelona are interested in Chelsea duo Christensen and Azpilicueta, but the west London club are determined to keep them around and hopefully persuade them to extend their stay beyond this season.
In either case, Rudiger is looking more and more likely to leave the club at the end of the season, with Chelsea unable to strike a deal with the Germany international.
So, if Rudiger does indeed move on from Stamford Bridge, then Chelsea would surely look elsewhere to try and replace the German defender.
One man that continues to be linked with the champions of Europe is Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo. The 22-year-old has just 18 months remaining on his contract at the Nou Camp, with the La Liga club wanting to extend his stay.
However, according to Marca, via 90Min, Araujo has turned down a contract offer from Barcelona because he believes he deserves more money considering he is a regular starter under Xavi. There is still some hope, though, with negotiations amicable between both parties.
Chelsea, as well as Liverpool and Manchester United, have been named as potential suitors for the Uruguay international, but there is hope from Barca's side that they will be able to keep hold of the talented defender.
What has been said on Araujo's future?
Earlier in the month, Barcelona boss Xavi insisted that renewing Araujo's contract at the club was a "priority".
He said: "(Araujo's) renewal is a priority. For me, he is a very important piece. He is an extraordinary defender and has a winning character.
"They have to reach an agreement quickly, because he is a player for the present and for the future. It is appreciated to have players like him. Ronald is a guy who contributes a lot."
