Arsenal have made enquiries over a potential deal to sign Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo next summer, according to Sébastien Vidal.
Having begun his career in Uruguay before a move to Mexico, Matías Araujo only arrived in Europe in the summer of 2024.
During his debut campaign with Sporting CP, he was largely utilised as a left-wing back and made a strong creative impact, finishing with eight assists.
Although naturally a left-back, his versatility allows him to feature further forward—including as a winger or attacking midfielder, and it’s no surprise his profile is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal.
The 26-year-old has continued to catch the eye across both domestic and continental competitions. In the league, he has made 24 appearances, recording four goals and three assists, while contributing three goals in 11 UEFA Champions League starts, bringing his overall tally to ten goal involvements.
His goal in the second leg against Bodø/Glimt highlighted his attacking quality, while his defensive displays were equally impressive across both legs of the quarter-final tie with Arsenal.
It appears Araujo’s performances piqued the interest of the Gunners’ hierarchy, as Vidal reports that the North London club have made enquiries about the possibility of the fullback’s transfer to the Emirates Stadium next summer.
Vidal to Arsenal
The journalist adds that the Uruguayan’s profile is ‘appealing’ to the Gunners, who believe he can add versatility on the left alongside Eberechi Eze.
With a contract at the Estádio José Alvalade that runs until the summer of 2029, Sporting would be keen on recouping Araujo’s full valuation, and it’s no surprise that Vidal adds that the Portuguese giants have placed a £65m valuation on the exciting fullback amid interest from Arsenal.
Within Arsenal’s squad, Mikel Arteta currently has Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Piero Hincapié as left-back options.
While Hincapié is still on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, there is a strong expectation that the deal will be finalised on a permanent basis at the end of the season, meaning the Gunners are well covered in that position.
However, doubts over Lewis-Skelly’s long-term future at the Emirates could create space for another arrival during the summer window.
In addition, both Hincapié and Calafiori are naturally central defenders, which helps explain why Arteta is keen to bring in a more specialised left-back, making Araujo an ideal option for that role.