Bayern Munich have firmly set their sights on a move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan international is seen as the dream target by both manager Thomas Tuchel and club sporting director Christoph Freund.

The Bundesliga champions had been exploring the possibility of signing Araujo in the upcoming January transfer window itself.

In fact, Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany reports that the Bavarian giants would have been open to shelling out a mega fee for the 24-year-old defender next month.

However, Bayern Munich have been clearly informed that Araujo does not wish to leave Barcelona in the winter and wishes to continue in Catalonia, putting an end to their pursuit, at least for now.

Some hope for summer

Indeed, as per the report, while Bayern Munich are now aware that Araujo’s signing is impossible in January, the Bavarian giants still have a small hope of landing their dream target in the summer of 2024.

This is despite the possibility that Barcelona will offer Araujo a new contract beyond 2026, amidst the continued obsession from the German champions.

One of the best in the game currently, Araujo has grown leaps and bounds over the past few years and it is only natural for elite clubs across Europe to take note of his immense quality.

As mentioned earlier, both Tuchel and Freund see the Uruguayan international as their absolute dream target and still have some belief that things could change in the summer.

That, however, appears unlikely, considering both Araujo and Barcelona are very much eager to further their partnership.

The defender, who was made one of the four captains this season, signed a new contract until 2026 last year. And there are already plans in place to start discussions over a new deal for him soon, with improved wages reflecting his status within the squad.