Overview
- Arsenal, which multiple outlets reported Saturday had initiated contact, are holding preliminary discussions with Maxi Araujo’s representatives with no formal bid confirmed.
- Manager Mikel Arteta was impressed by the 26-year-old Uruguayan’s displays against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, boosting his status on their shortlist.
- Araujo’s deal runs to 2029 with an €80m release clause, while reports say Sporting would consider offers near €60m (£52m).
- Manchester City and Manchester United are also credited with interest, with Tottenham, Chelsea and leading clubs in Italy cited as tracking the situation.
- Any Arsenal move could hinge on left-back exits given options such as Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly, which could slow or reshape negotiations.