Tottenham Hotspur scouted left-back Maxi Araujo during Sporting CP’s clash against Arsenal at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon on Tuesday.
As per Sport Witness, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are interested in signing the left-back in the summer. They will, however, have to compete with Chelsea for his signature. Tottenham have already scouted Araujo and did so on Tuesday as well.
Sporting lost 1-0 against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals first leg. However, Araujo was arguably the best player for the Portuguese side on the night and would have impressed his suitors, including Spurs.
Portuguese media’s verdict on Tottenham target Maxi Araujo
Sporting performed well against Arsenal on Tuesday. However, they lost 1-0 due to a stoppage-time goal from Kai Havertz ahead of the second leg next week.
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After the first leg, Portuguese outlet A Bola heaped praise on Araujo. They labeled him the best player on the pitch, writing:
“Another great performance from the Uruguayan, who, after his leading role against Bodo/Glimt, proved that he always links the lions to the Champions.”
The outlet detailed some impressive Araujo moments from the game and also mentioned his potential transfer, adding:
“He lost some, won others, but giving up is a verb that doesn’t enter the vocabulary of the number 20 shirt. Sporting’s directors don’t want to sell his transfer, but at this level it will be a very complicated task to hold him back for even longer in a World Cup year, in which he will be…”
During the international break, Araujo faced England with Uruguay and hinted at potentially joining a Premier League club, saying:
“It will be my first time in England, let it be the first of many. It will be incredible, a huge opportunity and I will make the most of it.”
Tottenham and Chelsea are both monitoring the 26-year-old, whose contract with Sporting will expire in 2029. He has a release clause worth €80 million but as per Sport Witness, he could be available for €40 million this summer.
Araujo’s performance against Arsenal detailed
The Uruguayan left-back put in a good performance in both defense and attack against Arsenal. As per SofaScore, here are his stats from the game:
- Shots – 2
- Hit woodwork – 1
- Passes completed 27/32
- Key Passes – 1
- Progressive carries – 3
- Tackles won – 7/9
- Ground duels won – 10/21
- Recoveries – 7
Overall, Araujo put in a decent performance, which would further impress Tottenham as it came against Arsenal. He could be a great signing for the north London side, who need a reliable left-back.
Destiny Udogie has struggled with consistent injury issues in the last two seasons, making him unreliable. Spurs also signed Souza in January, but he is just 19 and would need time to develop, especially after coming from the Brazilian league.
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Hence, Tottenham could potentially send the Brazilian on loan and sign Araujo to compete with Udogie for the starting place. Moreover, an attacking fullback would suit De Zerbi, who developed Pervis Estupinan well at Brighton.
