Barcelona coach Xavi has declared Ronald Araujo is on the brink of signing a new contract.

Araujo has been locked in talks over a new deal for months.

"For us it is a guarantee to be able to count on Araujo. Barcelona has a centre-back for 10 years or more, he is improving," Xavi said, confirming that the defender would be staying.

"There are few central defenders in the world like him.

"The key in the negotiation has been him. He is very happy at Barcelona and I am delighted with him. He is very hard-working, very self-sacrificing, loved... and he is a great person. He is a luxury.

"His decision has been to stay here, and I think he is right. Barcelonismo can be proud that he has decided to stay at Barcelona."