Barcelona 'exploring Julian Araujo return amid Joao Cancelo uncertainty'

Twenty-two-year-old Araujo was acquired by the Blaugrana from Los Angeles Galaxy during the January 2023 transfer window, although he linked up with the club's Atletic division upon his arrival in Catalonia.

Araujo was officially promoted to Barcelona's senior squad last summer, but the right-back is yet to earn his competitive debut for Xavi's side and was loaned out to Las Palmas for the 2023-24 campaign.

The decision to send Araujo to the La Liga returnees has been vindicated, as Araujo has struck two goals in 21 matches for Las Palmas in all competitions, starting 10 La Liga matches but missing a further five due to suspension.

The Mexico international is due to return to Camp Nou this summer, although it has been unclear whether Barcelona plan to promote him into the first team straight away or look at another temporary spell away from the club for the defender.

Now, Marca claims that Barcelona will explore the possibility of including Araujo in their first-team ranks for the 2024-25 season if the club are unable to keep Cancelo on the books.

After his relationship with Pep Guardiola deteriorated, Cancelo surprisingly returned to La Liga with the reigning champions, but he has proven his worth to Xavi with three goals and four assists in 26 outings.

The former Juventus and Valencia man has proven a useful option on both flanks for Barcelona, who are thought to be keen on retaining his services for longer, and Man City will let him depart permanently for a suitable fee.

However, the Premier League champions' asking price of around €30m (£25.7m) is reportedly too steep for the cash-strapped Blaugrana, although they could still go down an alternative route to secure the Portuguese's long-term future.

A separate report from The Sun claims that Barca are growing optimistic of keeping Cancelo in Catalonia beyond the end of the season, and agent Jorge Mendes is now working to ensure that his client can continue to don the Blaugrana colours.

Rather than pen a permanent deal this summer, the report claims that Barca could take him on loan for a reasonable fee and include an obligation to buy, which would be triggered in the summer of 2025.

Cancelo is not the only right-back whom Barcelona are at risk of losing this summer, as loyal servant Sergi Roberto is out of contract at the end of the season and is not believed to be in line for an extension.

Furthermore, Barcelona are also said to be open to bids for Jules Kounde, who has been deployed on the right and in the heart of the Blaugrana backline but has left a lot to be desired with his performances.

Xavi's team also have Sergino Dest plying his trade on loan with PSV Eindhoven, but the Dutch giants possess the option to make his stay permanent at the end of the season and are expected to take it up.

However, Barca's full-back ranks have been strengthened by the emergence of 17-year-old Hector Fort, who has set up two goals in his first five appearances for the club this season.