Chelsea have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Sporting CP winger Maximiliano Araujo, with the Portuguese club reportedly preparing for his potential departure this summer. According to reports in Portugal, Sporting are anticipating offers for the Uruguay international following his performance in the World Cup.
Chelsea are expected to heavily back new manager Xabi Alonso in the upcoming transfer window, with a centre-back and versatile forward identified as key priorities. Araujo, who scored in Uruguay’s opening World Cup match against Saudi Arabia, has emerged as a potential target for the Blues.
Araujo joined Sporting in 2024 and has become a key player for the Lisbon outfit, making 93 appearances and contributing to two title wins, including the 2023-24 Primeira Liga. Despite having a release clause of €80 million (£69.3m) in his contract which runs until 2029, A Bola reports that Sporting are bracing for a possible sale.
The same publication suggests Chelsea are currently the “most likely” destination for the 24-year-old, with a transfer fee in the region of €60 million to €70 million (£52m to £60.6m) potentially being enough to secure his services. Araujo will be looking to further showcase his abilities as Uruguay face Cape Verde and Spain in their remaining Group H fixtures.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are also monitoring other attacking options, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers reportedly on Alonso’s radar. The club has already seen Marc Cucurella complete a €60 million (£52m) move to Real Madrid. Chelsea captain Reece James expressed his disappointment at Cucurella’s departure, describing him as “one of the best left-backs in the world” and admitting he was “devastated” to see him leave.
James will focus on England’s World Cup campaign, following their 4-2 win over Croatia, with upcoming matches against Ghana and Panama. Araujo's arrival at Stamford Bridge would provide Alonso with another attacking option and further strengthen Chelsea’s squad as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.
