Arsenal Opens Transfer Race for Sporting CP's Maxi Araujo

Arsenal have approached Sporting CP for 26-year-old Uruguayan left-back Maxi Araujo. Sporting director Andrea Berta is said to have moved from scouting to dialogue with the player’s agents, marking the first concrete step in the summer pursuit.

Arsenal: Arteta tells Berta to sign £52m South American as contact made

Araujo joined Sporting in August 2024. He made 41 appearances, scoring six goals and four assists, while averaging 1.4 shots, 1.1 key passes, 4.0 recoveries and 1.8 tackles per game. His defensive work in the Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal – 12 tackles and 17 duels over two legs – earned particular praise.

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Araujo’s contract runs to June 2029 and includes an €80 million (?£69 million) release clause. Sporting CP have signaled willingness to negotiate a fee near €60 million (?£52 million), though some reports cite a minimum of €52 million or “offers above €50 million”. He arrived from Toluca for just under €14 million in 2024, highlighting a rapid increase in market value.

Maxi Araujo: 3 clues Arsenal’s £69m chase could reshape the summer

Manchester United and Manchester City have also shown interest, with United reportedly contacting Araujo’s agents via Record. Tottenham, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan are among other suitors. The breadth of interest underscores his perceived value across Europe.

Arsenal: Arteta tells Berta to sign £52m South American as contact made

Arsenal’s pursuit fits a squad reshuffle. While left-back depth is not a pressing deficiency, exits of Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly open space. Araujo’s ability to play both as a left-back and as a winger offers tactical flexibility for Arteta, especially as the club plans to offload Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Maxi Araujo: 3 clues Arsenal’s £69m chase could reshape the summer

Mikel Arteta praised Araujo’s Champions League displays, noting they impressed the coaching staff. Sporting CP highlighted the €80 million release clause but confirmed openness to a lower fee. Andrea Berta’s shift from “words to action” signals Arsenal’s intent to secure player before rivals intensify bids.

Arsenal: Arteta tells Berta to sign £52m South American as contact made

Some analysts argue Arsenal’s left-back slot is not a pressing deficiency, suggesting the chase may be driven more by market dynamics than squad need. Multiple high-profile suitors could inflate the price, potentially limiting Arsenal’s capacity to fund other priority areas.

Maxi Araujo: 3 clues Arsenal’s £69m chase could reshape the summer

Sources differ on the exact fee: some cite €60 million as Sporting’s target, others mention €52 million or “offers above €50 million”. The release clause is reported as €80 million and £69 million, creating currency-conversion discrepancies. No definitive Sporting statement confirms a final asking price.

Maxi Araujo: 3 clues Arsenal’s £69m chase could reshape the summer

Having made initial contact, Arsenal and Sporting CP are expected to discuss terms during the ongoing summer transfer window. The final outcome will hinge on the agreed fee, the response of competing clubs, and Arsenal’s ability to integrate Araujo while addressing other squad priorities.

Arsenal: Arteta tells Berta to sign £52m South American as contact made