Arsenal have made contact with Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo over a potential summer move, according to Portuguese outlet Record (page 9).
Araujo had a good Champions League campaign with the Primeira Liga champions, and he recently starred during the quarter-final ties against Arsenal.
The Uruguayan won a combined 12 tackles and 17 duels during both legs, and he managed to keep Noni Madueke and Max Dowman relatively quiet.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, and the Gunners have now made initial contact with the 26-year-old ahead of a potential summer transfer.
Manager Mikel Arteta was very impressed by the left-back’s showing against the Gunners.
Arsenal are not alone in the player’s pursuit and could face fierce competition from league rivals Manchester City to land the highly rated full-back.
Araujo has a release clause worth £69 million in his contract, and Sporting CP are prepared to demand at least £52 million to part ways with their prized asset.
Arsenal may require a big sale in the left-back department
The Gunners have had to cope with injury concerns this campaign, but they have been well-equipped to handle any absentees in the left-back department.
Riccardo Calafiori started the season as the undisputed left-back in the league before an untimely injury paved the way for Piero Hincapie to take his spot.
Hincapie was fantastic for three straight months before a minor setback, but the Ecuadorian ace showed his class during the 1-0 win over Newcastle United yesterday.
Arsenal have the option to land Hincapie permanently for £45m from Bayer Leverkusen after his loan stint. They are expected to trigger the buy clause this summer.
Alongside Hincapie, the Gunners have Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly in their ranks. The club are more than willing to offload Lewis-Skelly for a premium transfer fee.
With Calafiori being injury-prone, the door could open for Araujo to join the Gunners. This could largely depend on Lewis-Skelly or possibly Calafiori heading out of the club.
Otherwise, a deal may not be on the cards. Araujo may also need to be convinced, as he may have to compete for places, unlike being a regular starter with Sporting CP.
Stats from Sofascore