Manchester United must beat Chelsea in the race to sign Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo this summer.
The Red Devils are actively looking for a new left-back, and they have been linked with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall for some period of time.
However, a move for the Englishman may not materialise if the Magpies were to sanction the sale of midfielder Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs have had an £80 million bid for Tonali rejected, but they are widely expected to return with a renewed approach for the former AC Milan ace.
There is a good possibility that Tonali could become the second high-profile player to exit the Magpies after Anthony Gordon’s early move to Barcelona.
In that case, Eddie Howe’s side could close the door on Hall’s departure for another year.
Regardless, we would personally prefer the club to pursue a deal for Araujo over Hall.
The 26-year-old primarily played as a left-back for Sporting CP last term. He had a good individual season with 13 goal contributions from 47 appearances.
Araujo caught the eye with his big-game performances, and he was brilliant during the Champions League quarter-final ties against Arsenal in April.
The Uruguayan won a sublime 12 tackles and 17 duels in both legs against the Gunners. He also made 10 recoveries and was rock-solid from the left side of the back four.
Araujo, who has occasionally played as a winger at Sporting CP, also showed his attacking traits and was denied by a world-class fingertip save from goalkeeper David Raya.
He has carried over the form to the World Cup, where he has dazzled as a specialist left winger.
Araujo netted a crucial equaliser against Saudi Arabia earlier this month, and he was brilliant on Sunday too. He bagged a goal and an assist during the 2-2 draw versus Cape Verde.
In our view, the 26-year-old would be a fantastic addition to United. He would provide fierce competition to left-back Luke Shaw, and could also operate from the left wing.
Patrick Dorgu, who is primarily a left-back, has found success as a winger at United this year, but the Dane lacks the defensive positioning and awareness Araujo possesses.
Chelsea have recently opened talks with the Uruguayan‘s representatives, and Record have claimed that they are prepared to make a formal transfer offer to Sporting CP soon.
The Blues are eyeing a new left-back to compete with Jorrel Hato after Marc Cucurella’s exit, but we believe United should seek to prise Araujo away ahead of the London side.
They have an advantage with Champions League football. United are already interested in Araujo and must look to trump Chelsea in the race to land the highly-rated left-back.
It was reported last month that Sporting CP could start negotiations at £43 million, but that asking price is likely to have increased with his exemplary showing at the World Cup.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com