Is De Zerbi Taking Over Barcelona?

A Spanish newspaper report today, Wednesday, stated that Edmundo Capchi and Eduardo Krengar, representatives of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, as well as Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi, the head coach of Brighton, arrived in the Catalan city this afternoon to meet with Barcelona's sports management. According to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," the visit of Araujo's representatives to Barcelona was already planned, as the club's priority is to extend the contract of the Uruguayan defender, especially with interest from Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Manchester United in acquiring him. Araujo's contract (24 years old) with Barcelona ends in the summer of 2026, and the club is not considering selling him, even though he could bring in a substantial amount. The newspaper confirmed that the priority is to keep Araujo, as he is considered the backbone of Barcelona's defense in the coming years, through renewing his contract for another season. As for Roberto De Zerbi's name, he is considered among the candidates to succeed Xavi next season. Discussions regarding the Italian coach's name are expected to take place during the Barcelona management meeting with Capchi and Krengar.