Arsenal preparing swoop for £43m Uruguayan star

Arsenal are among the European clubs interested in signing Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo this summer, according to Spanish outlet AS (page 12).

The Uruguay international has been one of the standout performers for Sporting CP this term, but he could pursue a bigger challenge at the end of the season.

The left-back has a hefty £69 million release clause in his contract, but AS claim that the former Portuguese champions could allow his sale for £43 million.

Atletico Madrid have recently earmarked him as an alternative to Chelsea star Marc Cucurella, but they are set to face fierce competition from several elite clubs.

Arsenal, Manchester United, AC Milan and Juventus are among the contenders to sign Araujo.

Arsenal speculation could be agent-driven

Araujo has had a fine campaign with Sporting CP. He has bagged seven goals and four assists from 44 appearances across all competitions for the Primeira Liga giants.

The Uruguayan has also caught the eye with his defensive contributions. He was recently brilliant against Arsenal during the double-legged Champions League quarter-final.

Araujo proved a nuisance for Noni Madueke and Max Dowman. He won a combined 12 tackles and 17 duels during both legs and made several tactical fouls as well.

The 26-year-old also impressed with his powerful overlapping runs. He could have easily scored in the first leg if not for David Raya’s extraordinary fingertip save.

Araujo is an ideal left-back with the right balance in attack and defence, but Arsenal have the position well covered with three high-quality players at the moment.

Riccardo Calafiori was tremendous in the early part of the season before his injury. Piero Hincapie took control soon after, and he has been very consistent in the role.

The club have the option to sign Hincapie permanently after his loan stint from Bayer Leverkusen. It has been reported that the £45 million buy clause is expected to be triggered.

There was recently talk of Myles Lewis-Skelly heading for a summer exit, but that scenario could change too, with the Gunners graduate starring from central midfield in recent games.

Barring a high-profile left-back leaving the club, Araujo won’t be signed by Arsenal. The speculation could be agent-driven and aimed at pushing through a transfer from Sporting CP.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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