Manchester United
Maxi Araujo transfer news: United and Arsenal go head-to-head for Sporting star
Maxi Araujo transfer news: Both Manchester United and Arsenal have made formal enquiries about Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo, with the interest originating from a report by Portuguese outlet A Bola. The Maxi Araujo transfer news has gathered serious momentum in recent days, drawing attention from across Europe. Manchester United reportedly went a step further by submitting a bid of around £69 million for the 26-year-old as recently as 20th May, according to Caught Offside.
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Araujo arrived at Sporting from Mexican club Toluca in the summer of 2024, and by the end of his first season, he had cemented himself as a starter, going on to register six goals and four assists across 41 appearances in all competitions this season.
Mikel Arteta took notice after his Champions League displays, and Arsenal subsequently made contact with the player’s representatives through Portuguese outlet Record, moving ahead of United in that regard. Sporting, however, hold significant control; the club are not keen on selling him this summer and carries no financial pressure to do so, with his contract running until 2029 and an €80 million release clause acting as a firm ceiling.
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Maxi Araujo transfer news: The realistic outcome this summer
Luke Shaw turns 31 this summer and enters the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, making Araujo’s profile an almost perfect fit for what United need. Arsenal, meanwhile, face competition not just from United but from Manchester City, who have entered the picture as well.
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Manchester United need him more. Arsenal, despite the sharper initial approach, already carry depth on the left flank, whereas United face a structural gap if Shaw departs at season’s end. Realistically, neither club will pay the full €80 million. Sporting will accept somewhere between £55–65 million before the window closes in September, and United, given their clear positional need and the early bid already lodged, have the stronger motive to get this done. Arsenal will move if the price drops or their own departures free up budget. United will move regardless. Expect Araujo in red by late August.