He terrified Arsenal! Chelsea to sign this €80M star?
Transfer News: Chelsea are keeping a close watch on Uruguayan full-back Maximiliano Araújo, sources have told CaughtOffside. Manchester United are also in contention, with both sides looking at a potential move for the 26-year-old in the summer of 2026. Since moving to Sporting CP from Toluca in 2024, Araújo has become a staple in Portugal, featuring 36 times this season.
Transfer News: Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in Sporting’s Maximiliano Araújo ahead of the 2026 summer window
His ability to slot in as a standard left-back or push up as a wing-back offers the kind of tactical variety that big clubs are always hunting for. Sporting, though, are in a strong position. His deal doesn’t expire until 2029 and includes an €80 million buyout clause. While the club would rather keep him for another year, their history suggests that offers between €40 million and €50 million might get them to the table, especially if Chelsea and United start a bidding war.
A look at the numbers
Araújo’s impact in Liga NOS has been clear this season, with four goals and three assists in 25 games, a goal-involvement rate of 0.33 per 90 minutes. His non-penalty expected goals (0.24 per 90) rank him in the top 81% of the league. He is reliable on the ball, too, completing 84.45% of his passes while averaging about 38 attempts and over one key pass per game. With an expected assists figure of 0.19, Araújo ranks better than 82% of his peers, proving he is a genuine threat in the final third.
Transfer News: Would Chelsea actually get value from this signing?
To be honest, Chelsea might find him a better fit than United. His attacking work on the left fits their style perfectly, though there is a valid question about how his defensive game holds up against elite Premier League attackers, and that is a fair concern to have. Still, the price seems about right for a player of his quality, especially since Sporting have the contract security to wait for the right offer.
Rohit Sarkar
