Arsenal’s Gabriel and Manchester United’s Harry Maguire interact at full-time after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly tracking Sporting CP defender Maxi Araujo, although neither club currently plans to make an immediate move for the Uruguayan.
According to an exclusive report from Sport Witness , both Premier League giants remain interested in the 26-year-old, but despite speculation over possible offers, there has been no significant progress on a potential transfer.
Maxi Araujo could be an ideal defensive addition
The defender of “Sporting” attracted a lot of attention after his impressive performance in Portugal. His ability to play left-back and contribute in attack made him an attractive option for several leading European clubs.
Arsenal could benefit from adding another quality option on the left side of their defence, especially as Mikel Arteta continues to build a squad that can compete in multiple competitions. Araújo’s attacking instincts, versatility and international experience could make him a valuable addition.
Manchester United are also monitoring his situation as they assess potential defensive reinforcements for future transfer windows. The Uruguayan’s ability to get further up the pitch could offer Michael Carrick more tactical flexibility.
However, neither club seems ready to accelerate their pursuit at this stage. Reports that Arsenal and United are preparing bids worth €65m have not been backed up by new developments, with sources saying their interest remains unchanged.
“Sporting” demands a large fee for Arauco
Convincing Sporting to sanction his departure will not be easy. The Portuguese club previously valued the defender at 45-50 million euros and included a release clause of 80 million euros in his contract.
Araújo committed his future to Sporting in August and signed an improved contract that will run until 2030. The deal strengthens the club’s negotiating position and reduces sales pressure.
The 26-year-old football player scored 7 goals and provided 6 assists in 47 games last season, which emphasized the threat of attack from defense. He continued to impress this campaign, further increasing his appeal to potential suitors.
Arsenal and Manchester United could revisit their interest in the coming months, but Sporting’s valuation and Araujo’s long-term contract could make any deal difficult.