£58.9m player now agrees new contract just days after Arsenal were about to bid - Fabrizio Romano

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Arsenal are starting to become active in the winter transfer window.

TBR Football understand Arsenal are confident about signing Martin Zubimendi after opening talks with Real Sociedad – although the current plan is for the Spain international to join this summer, rather than now.

Sources also informed TBR Football that Arsenal were offered the chance to sign Randal Kolo Muani from PSG after Mikel Arteta revealed the Gunners would scour the market for reinforcements, following a serious injury to Gabriel Jesus.

Despite the north Londoners needing a new forward, Arsenal were ready to bid for Ronald Araujo – according to Mundo Deportivo in Spain – the Barcelona No.4 who plays as a central defender.

Now – however – the Ronald Araujo saga looks to be over before it even truly began for Arsenal.

Ronald Araujo agrees new contract with Barcelona

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that the Uruguay international has agreed to sign a new contract with Barcelona.

Arsenal and Juventus were sniffing around amid doubts over whether Araujo would commit himself to the Spanish giants, although the South American has now agreed to stay in Catalonia.

Romano wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “Ronald Araujo has agreed in principle on new contract at Barcelona. Positive talks took place between the player and Barca director Deco, fully involved in the process.

“Formal contract details to be discussed in the next days. Up next: Gavi, Pedri, Lamine's new deals.”

Marca add that Barcelona valued Araujo at €70m (£58.9m) as Juventus and Arsenal showed interest – although his valuation would rise substantially once a new contract is signed.

Arsenal fans should be pleased

This update should not be considered a blow for Arsenal.

Arteta has only signed six forwards since replacing Unai Emery in December 2019, and currently has little need for another central defender with Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White already at the Emirates Stadium.

Therefore, the Spaniard would have risked angering the fanbase if he splashed out to sign Araujo as well, at a time where the Gunners desperately need attacking reinforcements.