Liverpool seek to finalize Araújo deal early, Barcelona set their terms

FC Barcelona have started communicating with Liverpool to discuss turning Ronald Araújo's loan into a permanent transfer during the January transfer window, as the Spanish club aims to sell the defender and raise funds to strengthen their defense.

TEAMtalk has reported that Liverpool are open to retaining the Uruguayan defender, who has played 13 matches since joining the team and has delivered impressive performances under Iraola, both at right-back and centre-back.

The loan agreement includes a clause allowing the purchase of Araújo for €55 million, approximately £47 million, but FC Barcelona wants to bring the deal forward to January, while the player has expressed his willingness to stay with Liverpool.

FC Barcelona needs the proceeds from the sale of the defender to fund its defensive plans, especially with the signing of a left-sided centre-back among its priorities, and Lisandro Martínez of Manchester United emerging as one of the options.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are seeking to lower the value of the deal if it is completed in January, believing that an amount between £40 million and £45 million would be suitable to sign the player, according to the site.

However, Barcelona's need for funds makes it unlikely that Liverpool will receive a significant discount, leaving the final value of the deal subject to negotiations between the two clubs.