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Arsenal launch €60m transfer 'attack' as talks opened with Chelsea target

Updated: 25 Apr 2026 14:58 BST | 6 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal

Arsenal have initiated contact with Sporting CP wing-back Maxi Araujo, who is also a target for Chelsea.

The Uruguay international has been a standout performer for the Lisbon side since joining from Toluca in 2024 after an impressive Copa America. Araujo primarily plays as a winger for his country, but he is a left-back at club level.

This season, the versatile wideman has notched six goals and produced four assists across all competitions. His overall performances have caught the eyes of suitors, with Chelsea and Tottenham recently showing a fairly strong interest.

However, Arsenal have now also joined his list of admirers, Record reports. The Portuguese outlet, in its print edition, claims that the Gunners have launched an "attack" for the 26-year-old.

It is no surprise that Arsenal have taken notice of Araujo's performances, given that they signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting last summer. The report notes that the wing-back could follow in the Swede's footsteps.

Arsenal open Araujo talks

Arsenal are aware that Araujo is attracting widespread interest, so they have made sure to act on their interest quickly by making an "exploratory approach." Preliminary discussions over a potential move are taking place.

There is no guarantee that a deal materialises, but the interest is noteworthy. Arsenal, of course, could see some major turnover on their left flank this summer. Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard could be sold, with the latter chased by Napoli, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers.

Additionally, there may also be some changes at left-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly could look for a way out after struggling for minutes, while there is also some speculation surrounding the long-term future of Riccardo Calafiori.

Araujo could fill in both on the wing and at left-back, though given his average attacking output, he would surely not be the marquee left-wing signing many Arsenal fans are expecting.

He would not come cheaply either. While Sporting won't require interested clubs to trigger his €80 million release clause, they have made it clear that they are not prepared to accept offers below €60m.

Logic would suggest that Araujo will only become a concrete option for Arsenal after some departures. Given the level of interest - Atletico Madrid are also keen - he could be snapped up by another club before the Gunners make a firm decision on whether he is worth signing.