Maxi Araujo is set to feature for Sporting CP against Arsenal in tonight’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Estadio Jose Alvalade, and he will do so with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur scouts in attendance to run the rule over the Uruguayan left-back.
According to SportWitness, both London clubs have already made contact with Araujo’s representatives, and tonight’s tie represents a high-profile audition in front of the decision-makers who matter. The 26-year-old has contributed 10 goals and assists this season, operating comfortably as a left-back or in a more advanced left-sided role, and is considered to be at the peak of his career.
Why Maxi Araujo suits both Chelsea and Tottenham
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The logic is clear for both clubs, even if the reasons differ slightly. Chelsea need greater depth and competition on the left side of their defence, with Marc Cucurella currently the undisputed starter but a lack of genuine quality behind him. Adding Araujo would give Liam Rosenior a real decision to make in that position rather than a straightforward selection call, and that competition can only raise the level within the squad.
For Tottenham and new manager Roberto De Zerbi, the need is arguably more urgent. Ben Davies is coming to the end of his time as a reliable Premier League option, Destiny Udogie has been inconsistent and is linked with a departure, and a dynamic, attack-minded left-back fits perfectly into De Zerbi’s system, which demands overlapping fullbacks who can contribute in the final third. Araujo’s output this season suggests he is precisely that kind of player.
What would a Maxi Araujo transfer cost?
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Sporting have a release clause of £69m in Araujo’s contract, a figure that neither Chelsea nor Tottenham are likely to trigger outright. The more realistic expectation is that a negotiated deal in the region of half that fee could get something done, with Sporting open to listening to offers below the release clause threshold. At roughly £34-35m, that represents solid value for a left-back with proven Champions League experience and versatility across the left flank.
Tonight’s game gives both clubs a direct, live look at how Araujo performs under pressure against elite opposition. What he does against Arsenal’s right side could go a long way towards determining whether interest from the Premier League translates into something concrete this summer.
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