Ronald Araujo has dealt Arsenal a significant transfer blow.

After searching for a way out of , the defender has now been persuaded by to remain with the Catalan side. Araujo had instructed his agents to find an exit from Camp Nou and had already seen a bid rejected by the giants.

The Uruguay international's contract runs until 2026 but his certain, with the . Araujo lost his place in Hansi Flick's side to Inigo Martinez after missing most of this season to a hamstring injury, and has made just two appearances in 2024/24.

One of those came in Barcelona's impressive Super Cup win over however. report Araujo took a ‘radical turn’ following the game and that ex-Chelsea and Porto midfielder Deco made a breakthrough regarding the situation following talks with the centre-half on Tuesday.

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Araujo drew praise from Flick heading into El Clasico. "I want Araujo in my team because he is one of the best defenders," Flick said in his pre-match press conference. "He’s a professional and is now fit, having recovered from his injury, so he can help us."

The German coach was even more effusive following the victory, but steered clear of revealing the details of any conversations he had enjoyed with the player.

“I’m not going to reveal the conversations I’ve had with him," said Flick. "It’s a pity about Inigo’s [Martinez] injury, it’s a very important loss. After four weeks he will be able to return.

"Against Madrid, we saw that Araujo is back, his performance was very good. He is one of the best centre-backs in the . He proved it on Sunday, I’m very happy.”

Club president Joan Laporta was confident talks with Deco would find a solution that suited both Araujo and the club. The Barca chief suggested he wanted the 25-year-old to remain in Catalonia.

"We believe that everyone is very useful for Barcelona and we want Araujo to continue," he said. "He is talking to Deco and we will find a solution. We appreciate him on a professional and personal level. There is room to find a solution for everyone."

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Arsenal's attention may now be more firmly focused on adding a striker following injury to Gabriel Jesus. is adamant the club are working to improve their squad this month.

"We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad," he said. "We have been since day one.

"It would be naive not to do that because there is always an opportunity to evolve the team and improve the squad. Especially with the circumstances we have. So yes, we are looking and let's see what we are able to do."

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