According to a report by Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Sporting CP left-back Maximiliano Araujo. The two Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their defensive units by signing a left-back ahead of the 2026/27 season.
However, the latest update has brought bad news for the two London outfits, as the Primeira Liga champions are eager to tie the South American attacker to a new contract. A renewal will give Sporting CP better negotiating power when Chelsea and Tottenham approach them for a summer deal.
Maximiliano Araujo has established himself as a pivotal figure for Sporting CP since arriving from Deportivo Toluca in August 2024. Born in Montevideo, the 26-year-old has become a regular for Sporting CP on the left flank, making considerable progress in the last two years.
The Uruguayan international has enjoyed a solid 2025/26 campaign, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 39 appearances thus far. Meanwhile, Araujo’s progress has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Chelsea’s interest in Maximiliano Araujo is perplexing. The Blues already have two left-backs, with Marc Cucurella being one of the best in his position in the Premier League. Additionally, Jorrel Hato has been a solid backup, while Malo Gusto can also reprise the role. So, it is unclear why Chelsea would want to sign Araujo this summer.
As for Tottenham Hotspur, the North London club signed Souza in the winter transfer window. Additionally, Destiny Udogie is the first-choice left-back for Tottenham. So, while Ben Davies will leave Tottenham in the coming months, they do not need another left-back.
Nevertheless, widespread reports have linked Tottenham with several left-backs, including Andrew Robertson, and they, along with Chelsea, will attempt to sign Araujo in the coming months. However, with Sporting eager to tie the 26-year-old Uruguayan international to a new deal, the two London clubs may face a tall order in the battle for his signature.
