Arsenal and Manchester United are not planning to make immediate advances to sign Sporting’s Maxi Araújo, a source has informed Sport Witness.
The Uruguay international arrived in Europe when Sporting signed him from Mexican side Toluca FC in 2024. His performances, especially from last season, caught the attention of Arsenal, Manchester United and other Premier League sides.
In March, we exclusively reported on Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea making initial approaches.
A month later, Sport Witness exclusively revealed eight Premier League sides were chasing him. The two London clubs, Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Manchester City were among them.
The Portuguese club had set a €45-50m price while Araújo had an €80m release clause.
Maxi Araújo
Senior club career stats
| Club | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montevideo Wanderers 2018–2019 |
33 | 1 | 0 |
| Puebla 2020–2022 |
83 | 8 | 7 |
| Toluca 2023–2024 |
64 | 11 | 9 |
| Sporting CP 2024–present |
102 | 12 | 12 |
| Career total | 282 | 32 | 28 |
Source: Opta Analyst. Checked: 17 October 2026.
Arsenal and Manchester United there again
None of the aforementioned Premier League sides were able to get the deal over the line in the summer window. Instead, the South American committed his future to Sporting by renewing his contract.
On August 3rd, Maxi Araújo signed an improved deal until 2030. Sport Witness are aware the Primeira Liga sode offered him a top contract. That put an end to the links until the latest claims pulled Arsenal and Manchester United into the mix.
The latest rumours mention Mikel Arteta side and the Red Devils preparing €65m bids.
A source has informed Sport Witness that there’s ‘nothing new’ about the Gunners and the Old Trafford club. There have been no developments since the two clubs first showed interest six months ago.
Araújo’s form and valuation
Last season, operating mainly as a left-back, he managed seven goals and six assists from 47 matches. The defender also impressed for Uruguay at the World Cup, with two goals and an assist from three matches.
Maxi Araújo has maintained his place in the starting lineup this season, managing a goal and two assists from three matches. His consistent performances have also had a positive impact on his valuation.
Transfermarkt valued him at €5.5m when he joined Sporting in 2024 and that reached €17m at the end of his debut season. The figures have spiked, especially since last December, when it was €22m.
In March, it was €25m before another €10m raise in May and followed by a second raise of €5m in July to make it €40m.
This shows the fullback deserved an improved contract while top clubs continue to have him on their agenda.
With regards to Arsenal and Manchester United’s interest, there’s ‘nothing new’, only that they maintain interest.
