Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are now set for a three-way transfer tussle for Sporting’s Maxi Araujo.
Spurs Web recently shared comments from Bruno Fernandes explaining how close Tottenham Hotspur were to signing him back in 2019.
However, Spurs missed out, with Manchester United instead securing the services of the former Sporting man six months later.
Missing out on a player of Bruno Fernandes’ calibre remains one of the major what-ifs for Spurs, given the impact he has gone on to have in the Premier League since making the switch from Portugal to England.
He only recently broke the assist record and was named Player of the Season in the 2025-26 campaign.
Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United want Maxi Araujo
In the past month, Spurs Web have again relayed Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in another Sporting Lisbon star, this time Maximiliano Araujo.
The 26-year-old is a versatile full-back capable of operating at left-back, left midfield, and as a left winger when required, and has also registered seven goals and six assists in all competitions this season, including two goals and an assist in the Champions League.
CaughtOffside has now reported that Manchester United have entered the race to sign Maxi Araujo this summer.
Spurs Web first reported Spurs’ interest in Araujo in January during the winter window, and six months later, the Red Devils could move ahead in pursuit of his signature.
It is explained that United and Arsenal have already made enquiries for the full-back, while Chelsea is also interested, setting up a competitive scramble.
Sporting’s stance on Maxi Araujo transfer
United could well do with a full-back given Luke Shaw’s injury struggles, which makes their interest logical, while Spurs Web have reported Tottenham have begun exploratory talks with Sporting Lisbon over a possible deal.
Manchester City have also been mentioned in relation to his situation, although a move to the other side of Manchester feels less likely given the depth they already have in defence.
However, Sporting Lisbon is not looking to sell, with the full-back contracted until 2029 and protected by a £70 million release clause, leaving the Portuguese club in a strong negotiating position.
The release clause could ultimately prove the biggest obstacle in any deal, although some claims suggest Sporting could be tempted into talks for a lower fee, potentially in the €50 million to €60 million range, despite having no real pressure to sell.
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