Arsenal in transfer battle with Manchester United for South American sensation

Arsenal are battling Manchester United for signing South American talent Maxi Araujo this summer.

The Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been left impressed with the forward’s performances in the Champions League .

Arsenal have moved ahead of their Manchester rivals as they have made contact with the player’s representatives, per Portuguese outlet Record .

The Gunners want to add a quality new winger, with Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard expected to be sold.

Araujo has mainly operated as a left-back this season, but he is also capable of playing on the left wing.

Araujo has been earning rave reviews with his performances in Portugal since joining Sporting Lisbon in 2024.

He has made 41 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring six goals and creating four assists in the process.

He has averaged 1.4 shots, 1.1 key passes, 4.0 ball recoveries and 1.8 tackles per game in the Primeira Liga.

Araujo has an €80 million release clause in his contract, but that is simply to protect the player’s transfer value and Sporting are ready to sell him for €60m.

Arsenal also face competition from United, who are also keen on the Uruguayan.

The Red Devils spent most of their transfer budget to upgrade their attack last summer.

But they are still in the market for a quality forward, with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho expected to depart permanently.

United have also been linked with an interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi .

Stats from Transfermarkt & Sofascore