Manchester United eye double raid on Barcelona as part of €500 million summer spree – report

Despite their failure to try and sign Frenkie de Jong last summer, it seems like Manchester United are still not ready to give up on their pursuit of the Netherlands international. On top of that they are eyeing another Barcelona star in the form of Ronald Araujo.

This claim comes from El Pais (h/t Mundo Deportivo), who are reporting that Manchester United are preparing themselves for a massive €500 million summer spree in the summer.

And as part of this splurge, the Premier League giants are eyeing swoops for de Jong and Araujo, despite the Barça pair making it abundantly clear that they are not going to leave the club anytime soon.

Man United’s obsession with de Jong goes back to last summer, as they made a concerted effort to sign the midfielder upon the appointment of Erik ten Hag as manager.

There was even an agreement in place with Barcelona, who were in need of a big sale last year. But, the midfielder dug his heels in refused to leave, and has no plans of doing so this summer either.

“The club was in a difficult situation. They could have sold me very expensive, they wanted to and there were talks with Manchester United, but I didn’t want to leave and I stayed,” he said recently.

“I think life here is fantastic. If I and the club continue to be fine, I would prefer to stay here as long as possible.”

As for Araujo, the Uruguayan has emerged as one of the best defenders in the world. But with his new contract not being registered as of yet, some clubs have been keeping a close watch on his situation.

Despite that, though, Araujo has made it clear that he is not looking to leave Barcelona and expects to stay at the club for a long time.

“I’m under contract here at Barça until June 2026 but there’s also a chance to extend the agreement. I don’t think the renewal contract has been officially confirmed & registered, but it will be done soon. I’m very happy here,” he said.

Barcelona are in need of making some big sales this summer as well. However, Araujo and de Jong are among the untouchables in the squad and no amount offered by Manchester United will convince the club to part ways with the duo.