Manchester United have joined Chelsea in the pursuit of Uruguay winger Maxi Araujo, according to reports from Portugal. The development comes as United seek to strengthen their left wing options, having previously been linked with Crysencio Summerville of West Ham United.
Record reports that United officials are monitoring Araujo following his performances at the recent World Cup, where he scored two goals and provided one assist in Uruguay’s three Group H matches. Despite Uruguay’s early exit, Araujo’s displays reportedly caught the eye of the Premier League club as they prepare to support manager Michael Carrick in the transfer window.
Chelsea have also been strongly linked with the 26-year-old, with A Bola claiming they are currently the most likely destination for the player. Sporting are reportedly willing to part with Araujo for a fee between €60million and €70million, despite a €80million release clause in his contract which runs until 2029.
Araujo joined Sporting from Toluca in 2024 and has since made 93 appearances for the Portuguese side, contributing 11 goals and helping the club win the 2025 Primeira Liga title. Meanwhile, Chelsea are nearing the signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for a fee exceeding €50million, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, and are also reportedly interested in Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix for €55million.
In separate news, United are set to miss out on Elliot Anderson, who is expected to join Manchester City for a substantial fee of €134million. The club are now considering alternatives in midfield, including Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United and Alex Scott of Bournemouth, with Ederson’s move from Atalanta already agreed for €40.5million.
