chelsea's Interest in Maxi Araújo has been a recurring topic in Portugal for months. However, the situation may now move to a more serious stage.
according to recordThe Sporting player has become a priority target for the London club. Jose Mourinho is set to strengthen his left-back following Mark Cucurella's move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea have previously been credited with scouting missions and exploratory contacts regarding the Uruguay international. Furthermore, the Record now claims that the club is preparing to take the next step and establish what it takes to convince Sporting to sell.
Chelsea have a clear need now
The Portuguese newspaper argues that Cucurella's departure has opened up a vacancy in Chelsea's squad and pushed the club towards the market. Maxi Araújo is said to be at the top of the shortlist.
The 26-year-old has attracted attention with his performances for Sporting and now Uruguay.
But Sporting believe they can convince Araujo to stay in Lisbon beyond this summer. Club meetings are scheduled With representatives of players after the World Cup. In addition, they intend to offer a package designed to make the stay more attractive.
As first reported in PortugalSporting want to move Araújo to the top of the club's wage structure if he commits for another season. Notably, that plan remains in place despite increased interest from the Premier League.
However, Chelsea are reportedly prepared to be patient. The report states that the club may need outgoing business before making a decisive move in the market, with speculation surrounding Enzo Fernandez's future potentially being relevant to their summer plans.
Manchester United and Tottenham still looking
Chelsea may have emerged as the most aggressive contenders, but they are not alone.
Records report that both Manchester United And tottenham Be attentive to the situation. Interestingly, Atletico Madrid – who were previously mentioned among the interested clubs – is no longer included in the latest list.
This makes Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham the main clubs currently linked with the Sporting player. At the moment, none of them appear to be close to taking formal steps.
Records suggest that Chelsea – or any other interested parties – should expect Sporting to tip a figure close to the player's €80m (£69m) release clause. This is a particularly promising opportunity at this early stage of the market.
Speaking after Uruguay's World Cup openingThe 26-year-old suggested he is not pushing for a move away from Alvalade at the moment. Instead he pointed to the attraction of another Champions League campaign.
"My idea is to stay at Sporting. We are going to play in the Champions League again and that excites me very much." He said. Of the three English clubs, only Manchester United can currently offer him the same thrill next season.
Sporting stands firm on valuation
The World Cup remains central to the story. Sporting hope that Araújo's value will increase if he impresses for Uruguay, which is one reason they are comfortable waiting.
And if the tournament was supposed to be a cause for concern for clubs who were hoping to keep his price under control, the winger has already given them cause for concern.
Araújo scored the goal to help Uruguay earn a 1–1 draw against Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener, and did so while starting on the left wing rather than in his more familiar deep role.
For now, the key development in Portugal is that Araújo is now being portrayed as a priority target following the departure of Cucurella, and that significantly raises the stakes ahead of the World Cup knockout rounds.
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