Chelsea have long admired a La Liga star who is now attracting interest from league leaders Liverpool.

Liverpool and Chelsea are going to have a similar issue next summer. They’ll both be trying to sign a world-class centre-back, or at least, that’s the hope.

Chelsea’s centre-back issue needs no further explanation. They are lacking quality in that position, something made painfully obvious by Levi Colwill’s injury.

Liverpool have another Trent situation brewing, with Ibrahima Konate’s head rumoured to be turned by Real Madrid. In the final days of the window, they were in hot pursuit of Marc Guehi, who Chelsea also admire.

But it’s another centre-back that has emerged as a target for Liverpool. A Barcelona star who Chelsea were interested in as recently as January.

Liverpool eyeing Ronald Araujo as Konate replacement

Nothing with Konate is set in stone, but reports suggest he is interested in a move to the Spanish capital.

That has been enough to prompt Liverpool to look at other options, and according to Caught Offside, they have turned their attention to Madrid’s fiercest rivals.

Ronald Araujo was strongly linked with Chelsea in recent windows, but a move never materialised.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca responds to questions about his future as Chelsea manager, ‘the reality is’

All hope seemed lost when Araujo extended his contract with the Catalan outfit. But now, Liverpool are in the mix, and they have a recruitment reputation that suggests they would not be wasting their time unless they felt a deal was possible.

Chelsea have to hijack Liverpool’s move

Enzo Maresca needs a centre-back. It couldn’t be clearer.

Araujo is a player Chelsea have wanted for at least three years.

• READ MORE: Report: Chelsea have told 22-year-old defender who ‘has everything’ they’re really keen to sign him (2022)

If Liverpool are to move in for his signature, it would be a real stinging loss for the Blues, for multiple reasons.

Firstly, Liverpool look like being perennial title contenders for the foreseeable future. If things at Stamford Bridge go to plan, they will be one of Chelsea’s fiercest rivals, and they will have a world-class centre-back helping their cause.

Secondly, the centre-back market isn’t as abundant as you would think. Guehi will move next summer, but if Chelsea miss out, the options they have to strengthen at the back are few in number. At least, the ones who would elevate the side.

Bottom line is, Chelsea need to go back in for Araujo. If they don’t, and they miss out on Guehi too, it would be a devastating blow to their title chances next season.