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"path": "/2026/06/26/man-utd-chelsea-enter-race-hijack-69m-arsenal-transfer-28935225/",
"publishedAt": "2026-06-26T12:51:23.000Z",
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"Football",
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"Arsenal",
"Arsenal transfer news",
"Chelsea FC",
"Chelsea transfer news",
"Manchester United",
"Manchester United Transfer News",
"Mikel Arteta",
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"Arsenal had made ‘initial contact’ with Araujo to discuss a possible move to Mikel Arteta’s side this summer",
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"textContent": "Maxi Araujo has been one of Uruguay’s standout performers at the World Cup (Reuters)\n\nManchester United and Chelsea have entered the race with Arsenal to sign Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo, according to reports in Portugal.\n\nThe 26-year-old, who is capable of playing in a defensive and attacking role on the left flank, was one of Sporting’s standout performers last season with seven goals and six assists in all competitions.\n\nAraujo has also impressed at the World Cup this summer with two goals and an assist in Uruguay’s two games against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde in Group H.\n\nAccording to Record, Manchester United are interested in a deal for Araujo and sent representatives to watch him during Uruguay’s 2-2 draw with Cape Verde last Sunday.\n\n## Don't miss a World Cup moment\n\n(Picture: Getty)\n\n\nWe're witnessing history at this World Cup – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up.\n\nThe report adds that Chelsea are also monitoring Araujo as they seek a replacement for Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid in a £52 million deal earlier this month.\n\nIn April, Record reported that Arsenal had made ‘initial contact’ with Araujo to discuss a possible move to Mikel Arteta’s side this summer.\n\nMaxi Araujo came up against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final last season (NurPhoto/Shutterstock)\n\nArteta was said to be impressed by Araujo’s performances during Sporting’s two Champions League quarter-final ties against Arsenal.\n\nSporting, meanwhile, remain in a strong negotiating position as Araujo has three years remaining on his contract, which also includes an €80m (£69.3m) release clause.\n\nSpeaking last weekend, Araujo refused to rule out the prospect of leaving Sporting this summer and paid tribute to his club teammate, Ivan Fresneda, who watched him in action for Uruguay in Miami.\n\n‘I’m very happy at Sporting, but you never know what’s going to happen,’ Arauho said after Uruguay’s draw with Cape Verde.\n\n‘I was happy to be able to talk to Fresneda, I’m grateful that he’s here and I love playing with him. I hope we can play together for a long time.’\n\n**For more stories like this, check our sport page**.\n\n**Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on**Facebook,** Twitter and Instagram**.\n\nComment now Comments \nAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source\n",
"title": "Manchester United and Chelsea enter race to hijack £69m Arsenal transfer"
}