Man United ‘In Talks’ Over £105m Double Barcelona Transfer Raid – Report | OneFootball

Man Utd in Talks with Barcelona over Rashford: A Swap Deal for Araujo or Lopez in the Works?

Manchester United’s transfer window is heating up, with reports surfacing of a potential blockbuster swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and two Barcelona players. The original report from El Nacional reveals that Rashford’s future is once again tied to the Catalan club, and negotiations are underway that could see Ronald Araujo or Fermin Lopez head to Old Trafford.

After an injury-hit loan spell at Aston Villa, Rashford is set to return to Manchester, as Villa have decided against activating their £40 million option to buy. Despite showing flashes of brilliance during his time in the Midlands, Villa’s failure to secure Champions League football and concerns over financial fair play have ended any permanent deal.

Yet Rashford’s dream of playing in La Liga remains intact.

“Barca ‘have not forgotten about Rashford’ and hope to sign him this summer to ‘bolster their attack’,” El Nacional claims.

Barcelona’s Interest Rekindled

Barca’s interest in Rashford is not new. Talks between Rashford’s representatives and Barcelona’s sporting director Deco reignited recently, with Dwaine Maynard, Rashford’s brother and agent, spotted in the Catalan capital this week. It’s believed that Rashford is willing to take a substantial pay cut from his current £325,000-a-week deal to make the move happen.

“Rashford is ‘crazy about’ joining Barca,” adds journalist Toni Juanmarti, who also confirms “talks are progressing.”

Yet with Barcelona’s ongoing financial issues, a straight £40m cash deal looks unlikely. Instead, United are open to a swap deal, and have asked specifically about two names: Fermin Lopez and Ronald Araujo.

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Araujo and Lopez Offered as Counterweights

Ronald Araujo, long admired by Manchester United, has fallen out of favour under new Barca manager Hansi Flick. With youngsters like Pau Cubarsi and experienced figures like Inigo Martinez ahead of him, his departure is reportedly imminent.

“Araujo ‘will almost certainly say goodbye’ to Barca in the summer,” states the El Nacional report.

He only signed a new contract in January, turning down Juventus at the time. But circumstances have changed quickly at the Nou Camp, and now his departure could provide a solution for all parties.

Fermin Lopez, meanwhile, is emerging as a key name in negotiations. The 21-year-old midfielder had an impressive run-in to the season but faces stiff competition in Barcelona’s stacked midfield. His inclusion in any deal may help balance the books and create room in the squad for Rashford.

“Lopez and Araujo are ‘on the table’ in negotiations after United asked about their availability,” the report adds.

Araujo is expected to be valued at around £55million, whilst Fermin Lopez is rated at around £50million.

United Looking to Rebuild Under Amorim

With Ruben Amorim at the helm, United are eyeing a youthful rebuild, and both Lopez and Araujo would be seen as perfect additions. Lopez’s dynamism and goal threat from midfield would offer something different in United’s engine room, while Araujo would bolster a defence that has suffered from inconsistency and injuries.

Barca, too, would get a direct, pacey attacker to complement their existing options. Rashford has the profile that suits La Liga, and under the right guidance, could rediscover the form that once made him untouchable in England.

“Barca could offer United central midfielder Lopez or centre-back Ronald Araujo as they are aware the Red Devils like the pair,” summarises El Nacional.

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Financial Logic Behind the Swap

With Barcelona unable to match United’s £40m valuation, this deal may be one of necessity as much as ambition. Swapping players allows both clubs to avoid major upfront costs while acquiring assets that fit their evolving strategies.

It’s also suggested that Barcelona might propose a loan with an obligation to buy in 2026, but United’s firm stance on a cash valuation could push the talks toward a more immediate player exchange.

“United continue to insist on their £40m asking price for Rashford, a fee Barca will struggle to meet,” the original article explains.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Manchester United fan, this report sparks serious excitement. The idea of swapping Marcus Rashford, who’s looked a shadow of himself lately, for either Ronald Araujo or Fermin Lopez feels like smart business, especially under Ruben Amorim’s forward-thinking regime.

Araujo would be a dream signing. Physical, composed, and already experienced at the highest level, he could instantly shore up United’s fragile backline. Imagine him pairing up with Lisandro Martínez – that’s a partnership with real steel and aggression.

Then there’s Fermin Lopez. If Amorim’s plan is to revamp the midfield with young, technically-gifted players who can score and press, Lopez fits like a glove. He’s brave on the ball, has a real engine, and would thrive under the type of fluid system Amorim is known for.

Rashford has been a loyal servant, but if his heart is set on Barcelona, then it’s time to part ways. And if that means bringing in players with hunger, discipline, and potential, then fans will support the move.

This feels like a turning point – one of those deals that could mark the true start of a new era under Amorim.