Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all circling around Maxi Araújo. However, Sporting are preparing a much stronger response than simple persuasion.
Manchester United and Arsenal are being mentioned a lot in recent weeks by the Portuguese press. Juventus are also named as suitors in Portugal. And local reports are still confirming interest from Chelsea. This is something we reported with exclusivity back in March.
However, Sporting’s stance is becoming aggressive as interest grows.
The Portuguese club already wanted to keep the Uruguay international for another season. Now, according to A Bola, the plan goes further. Sporting are prepared to place the 26-year-old among the highest earners in the squad. This would happen if he stays in Lisbon beyond this summer.
Sporting ready to reward Maxi Araújo
A Bola explain that Sporting’s strategy is built around hard ball.
The club want to keep Maxi Araújo “until the limit of resistance”, which effectively means holding out for the player’s €80m (£69m) release clause.
At the same time, they are preparing financial incentives to support that position.
The report states that, if Araújo remains at the club, Sporting intend to reward him with a salary increase. This would move him towards the top of the wage structure.
Sporting are trying to build a package strong enough to resist Premier League pressure.
Premier League clubs face harder negotiation
Another key detail from A Bola concerns Sporting’s internal planning.
The club believe there could soon be significant relief on the wage bill if players such as Francisco Trincão or Pedro Gonçalves leave. That would create room to elevate Araújo financially without damaging the broader salary structure.
In other words, Sporting are already preparing for the possibility of reshaping their squad around him.
That says plenty about how highly he is now valued internally after two strong seasons in Portugal.
Champions League and World Cup create tension
Sporting’s confidence has also been boosted by Champions League qualification.
The Portuguese side believe another season on that stage could increase Araújo’s value even further before a future sale. His performances in Europe this season, especially against Bodø/Glimt and Arsenal, are described in Portugal as a major reason for the rise in interest from abroad.
However, the World Cup remains the major threat to Sporting’s plan.
Araújo is expected to be part of Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay squad, and Sporting know a strong tournament could quickly change the market around him. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal will be aware of that risk too.
In the end, Sporting seems to be actively building financial and sporting arguments to stop one from happening this summer.