Manchester United are likely to make multiple changes to the squad during the summer.
A marquee defensive midfielder could be the prime priority with Casemiro set to depart when his contract expires at the end of June.
A left-back is another target for the Red Devils, and the club have already been linked with a move for Sporting CP’s Maxi Araujo.
However, United are not alone in the pursuit, and Record claim that Arsenal have already made initial contact with the defender.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was impressed by his performances during the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final ties this month.
In our view, United must be proactive in order to beat the Gunners to the 26-year-old’s signature. He could be signed for £35 million.
United have the edge over Arsenal with playing time
Araujo has been a mainstay on the left side of Sporting’s defence over the last few years.
The Uruguayan has had another fine campaign for the Primeira Liga champions. He has registered an impressive four goals and six assists from 41 appearances in all competitions.
Araujo has also excelled defensively, winning almost six duels per game alongside two tackles and four recoveries. His exceptional work rate has been another main highlight of his career.
The former Toluca man showed his class during the recent European meetings against Arsenal. He managed to curtail the threat of Noni Madueke and Max Dowman to a great extent.
He won a stunning 10 duels and made seven tackles during the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at home. He was equally good on the road with seven duels and five tackles won.
Araujo also showcased his attacking potential with multiple overlapping runs. He was unlucky not to break the deadlock at the Estadio Jose Alvalade after a stellar fingertip save by David Raya.
In our view, Araujo has all the traits to become United’s first-choice left-back ahead of Luke Shaw.
Patrick Dorgu has lacked positional awareness as a left-back in his short career. The Dane has been much more efficient as a winger, and his future could be higher up the pitch for the Red Devils.
United have a big advantage in convincing Araujo with playing time. At Arsenal, he may struggle to secure a regular starting berth ahead of Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
On the other hand, he could displace Shaw to become the first-choice left-back at United in the near future. Shaw will enter the last year of his contract this summer, but the club have a 12-month option.
However, we won’t be surprised if the Englishman makes way after one more season if he does not accept a reduced starting role. The door is open for Araujo to become a regular starter for United.
Stats from Sofascore & Transfermarkt