Manchester United and Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo, according to Portuguese reports. The 26-year-old Uruguay international, who can play both defensively and offensively on the left flank, was one of Sporting's standout performers last season, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in all competitions.
Araujo impresses at World Cup
Araujo has also impressed at the World Cup this summer, notching two goals and an assist in Uruguay's two Group H matches against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. According to Record, Manchester United sent representatives to watch him during Uruguay's 2-2 draw with Cape Verde last Sunday. Chelsea are also monitoring Araujo as they seek a replacement for Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid in a £52 million deal earlier this month.
Arsenal's initial contact
In April, Record reported that Arsenal had made 'initial contact' with Araujo to discuss a possible move to Mikel Arteta's side this summer. Arteta was said to be impressed by Araujo's performances during Sporting's two Champions League quarter-final ties against Arsenal.
Contract and release clause
Sporting remain in a strong negotiating position as Araujo has three years remaining on his contract, which includes an €80 million (£69.3 million) release clause. Speaking last weekend, Araujo refused to rule out the prospect of leaving Sporting this summer and paid tribute to his club teammate Ivan Fresneda, who watched him in action for Uruguay in Miami. 'I'm very happy at Sporting, but you never know what's going to happen,' Araujo said after Uruguay's draw with Cape Verde. 'I was happy to be able to talk to Fresneda, I'm grateful that he's here and I love playing with him. I hope we can play together for a long time.'
