Liverpool are preparing to test Barcelona’s resolve with a £43 million bid for Ronald Araújo as Arne Slot continues reshaping his defensive unit.

According to reports from Italy, the Premier League champions see the Uruguayan international as a prime candidate to bolster their back line.

Defensive reinforcements back on the agenda

The Reds addressed depth over the summer with the arrival of 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni but fell short of securing a proven centre-back.

A late push for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi collapsed on deadline day, leaving Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté as the senior figures.

With Van Dijk approaching his mid-thirties and Konaté facing ongoing speculation about his future, Liverpool remain in the market for long-term stability at the heart of defence.

Araújo, 26, has now emerged as a serious option. Despite signing a lengthy contract extension in January, he has slipped down Hansi Flick’s pecking order at Barcelona, with Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez often preferred.

His absence from the starting lineup in consecutive matches has only fuelled speculation that he could be tempted to leave.

Liverpool sense an opportunity

Reports suggest Liverpool are optimistic that Araújo would welcome a move to Anfield, where regular playing time and the chance to be part of a Premier League title defence could prove persuasive.

Juventus are also monitoring the situation, but the Merseyside club are preparing to make the first formal move.

Slot’s side has steadied its defensive record after a shaky start, registering back-to-back clean sheets.

Still, there are concerns over whether the current setup can be sustained over an entire campaign.

Araújo’s combination of strength, aerial dominance, and composure on the ball makes him a natural fit for the physical demands of English football.

Shaping the post–Van Dijk era

Liverpool’s long-term defensive rebuild is expected to centre around both Guehi and Araújo, who could eventually form a formidable partnership at Anfield.

With Van Dijk nearing the twilight of his career and uncertainty around Konaté, the addition of the Barcelona star would offer stability for years to come.

The next steps will depend on whether Barcelona are willing to sanction a sale in January or prefer to wait until the summer. Either way, Liverpool look set to be at the front of the queue.