Arsenal has made significant progress in their pursuit of Maxi Araujo, a target also sought by Manchester United. This move comes as United considers strengthening their left-back position with Luke Shaw nearing the end of his contract.
Maxi Araujo: Arsenal take major step in pursuit of Man United target
One area of the pitch where Manchester United could be tempted to invest this summer is the left-back position. Luke Shaw may be enjoying a new lease of life this season, but he will turn 31 this summer, at which point he will also enter the final year of his contract.
The Englishman appears to have shaken off his injury troubles in the past 12 months and has started every game in the Premier League this season. Shaw did not look out of place as part of a back three in former head coach Ruben Amorimâs 3-4-3 system.
When the Portuguese lost his job in January and Michael Carrick took charge as caretaker manager until the end of the season, the Red Devils switched to a back four. Shaw, though, slotted seamlessly into his natural left-back role and has played an important role in the teamâs recent rise.
However, his future remains unclear, and with Patrick Dorgu flourishing in a more attacking position, reinforcing the left-back position could be on INEOSâ agenda this summer. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that United already have their eyes on Sporting full-back Maxi Araujo as Shawâs possible successor.
Arsenal has taken major steps in their pursuit of Maxi Araujo, indicating strong interest in the player.
Manchester United may look to invest in a left-back as Luke Shaw will turn 31 and enter the final year of his contract.
Luke Shaw has started every Premier League game this season and has shown improved performance after overcoming previous injuries.
Luke Shaw has adapted well to both a back three and a back four formation, showcasing his versatility in different tactical setups.
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Araujo arrived at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the summer of 2024 from Mexican club Toluca, and briefly worked with Amorim. By the end of the season, the Uruguayan had cemented his place in the starting XI.
This season, the 26 year old has managed to hit a higher gear, and has subsequently turned heads at Old Trafford. Araujo has registered six goals and four assists in 41 appearances across all competitions for the Portuguese club, all but four of which were starts.
Source: Transfermarkt.
A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggested that United could secure the Uruguayanâs signature for âŹ40-50m this summer. However, it now appears that a Premier League rival is ready to pip the Red Devils to Araujoâs signature.
According to Record, Arsenal have initiated talks to sign Araujo this summer. Mikel Arteta is reportedly impressed by the Uruguayanâs performance in the two UEFA Champions League quarter-final games against the Gunners.
While the Portuguese club were knocked out of the tournament, Araujo managed to impress, and the north London side now believe he can be a fine addition to their squad. Arsenal have held preliminary conversations with the playerâs camp to help facilitate a move at the end of the season.
The Uruguayan is under contract until 2029, so Sporting hold the upper hand in any potential negotiations. The report also confirms interest from United, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City, and insists that only an offer in excess of âŹ50 million will be considered.
United are reportedly planning to raise ÂŁ100 million from player sales this summer, while securing Champions League qualification could see them earn an additional ÂŁ70 million. As such, the Red Devils could have the funds to go head-to-head with their Premier League rivals for Araujo this year.
However, midfield reinforcements are likely to be the priority for United this summer. One assumes that most resources are likely to be directed at signing able replacements for Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
Featured image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images
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