Chelsea’s interest in Maxi Araújo has been a recurring theme in Portugal for months. However, the situation may now be moving into a more serious phase.
According to Record, the Sporting player has become a priority target for the London club. They are preparing to strengthen at left-back following Marc Cucurella’s move to José Mourinho’s Real Madrid.
Chelsea have previously been credited with scouting missions and exploratory contacts regarding the Uruguay international. Furthermore, Record now claim the club are preparing to take the next step and establish what it would take to convince Sporting to sell.
Chelsea now have a clear need
The Portuguese newspaper argues that Cucurella’s departure has opened a space in Chelsea’s squad and pushed the club towards the market. Maxi Araújo is said to be at the top of the shortlist.
The 26-year-old has attracted attention through his performances for Sporting and now for Uruguay.
But Sporting continue to believe they can convince Araújo to remain in Lisbon beyond this summer. The club have meetings scheduled with the player’s representatives after the World Cup. In addition, they intend to present a package designed to make staying more attractive.
As previously reported in Portugal, Sporting want to move Araújo towards the top of the club’s salary structure if he commits to another season. Notably, that plan remains in place despite growing Premier League interest.
Chelsea, however, are reportedly prepared to be patient. The report states the club may need outgoing business before moving decisively in the market, with speculation around Enzo Fernández’s future potentially becoming relevant to their summer plans.
Manchester United and Tottenham still watching
Chelsea may have emerged as the most aggressive suitor, but they are not alone.
Record report that both Manchester United and Tottenham remain attentive to the situation. Interestingly, Atlético Madrid – previously mentioned among the interested clubs – are no longer included in the latest list.
That leaves Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham as the main clubs currently being linked with the Sporting player. For now, none of them appear close to making a formal move.
Record explain that Chelsea – or any other interested side – should expect Sporting to point towards figures close to the player’s €80m (£69m) release clause. This is particularly likely at this early stage of the market.
Speaking after Uruguay’s World Cup opener, the 26-year-old suggested he is not currently pushing for a move away from Alvalade. He pointed instead to the attraction of another Champions League campaign.
“My idea is to stay at Sporting. We are going to play in the Champions League again and that excites me a lot,” he said. Out of the three English clubs, only Manchester United can currently offer him the same thrill next season.
Sporting remain firm on valuation
Maxi Araujo
Maxi Araujo
The World Cup continues to sit at the centre of the story. Sporting expect Araújo’s value to rise if he impresses for Uruguay, which is one reason they are comfortable waiting.
And if the tournament was supposed to be a concern for clubs hoping to keep his price under control, the winger has already given them a reason to worry.
Araújo scored the goal that rescued a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in Uruguay’s opening match of the tournament and did so while starting on the left wing rather than in his more familiar deeper role.
For now, the key developmentin Portugal is that Araújo is now being portrayed as a priority target following the departure of Cucurella, and that raises the stakes considerably ahead of the World Cup knockout rounds.
🇫🇷 Ayyoub Bouaddi | Chelsea make move for signing
➡️ Join multiple clubs in the mix, including Arsenal
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— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) June 15, 2026