Harry Kane's new team-mate? Thomas Tuchel responds to reports he wants to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo for Bayern Munich

Posted Sunday, December 10, 2023 by Goal.com

Thomas Tuchel put in a cheeky response when quizzed about his interest in signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo for Bayern Munich.

Tuchel reportedly wants Araujo at Bayern
Allegedly had a telephone chat with defender
Manager keeps his cards close to his chest

WHAT HAPPENED?

It has been reported that the manager along with Bayern sporting director, Christoph Freund, had held a telephone conversation with the Uruguayan defender in a bid to convince him to move to Germany. However, when Tuchel was asked if that was the case, the manager did not give away much.

WHAT TUCHEL SAID

Speaking to Sky Germany ahead of Bayern's Bundesliga game at Eintracht Frankfurt, he said: "I won't comment on that in any way."

However, he added with a wink: "I also spoke to my mother on the phone and there was no message. We only talk about our players."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

It is believed that the Bayern think tank has identified Araujo as the perfect addition to reinforce their defensive lines. They are ready to splash out to land the defender which may entice Barcelona to sell as they are struggling to comply with La Liga's FFP (Financial Fair Play) regulations.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite already spending €150 million on transfers, including the signing of centre-half Kim Min-jae from Napoli, Tuchel remains determined to bolster his defensive options. Moreover, there are other options in Matthijs de Ligt and Dayot Upamecano at the back to choose from.

WHAT NEXT?

Tuchel might have a point in his pursuit, as Bayern's defensive frailties were exposed by Frankfurt after the reigning Bundesliga champions were handed a 5-1 thrashing on Saturday afternoon. Following this dismal defensive performance, it would not be surprising if the German giants stepped up their pursuit of Araujo ahead of the winter transfer window.