Aston Villa are one of eight Premier League teams currently keeping tabs on Sporting CP’s Maxi Araújo ahead of the summer market, according to an exclusive from Sport Witness. Newcastle and Villa are the newest names to enter the fold; a source told the outlet that both clubs have recently joined the hunt for the Uruguayan international. This comes after Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly made initial contact back in March regarding a move for the 26-year-old.
Aston Villa join an eight-club Premier League race for Sporting’s Maxi Araújo
The list of English suitors has grown to include the Magpies, Unai Emery’s Villa, Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City. A few unnamed Spanish sides are also said to be monitoring his progress. Araújo originally moved to Lisbon from Mexican club Deportivo Toluca during Hugo Viana’s tenure as Sporting’s sporting director.
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In 88 games for the club, he has chipped in with 10 goals and 12 assists, mostly playing as a left wing-back. Sporting are reportedly standing firm on their price tag, holding out for roughly €45–50m, which is a figure they won’t budge on despite his release clause sitting at a much higher €80m. Arsenal also entered the fray just days ago, following reports from Record that Mikel Arteta was impressed by the player during the recent Champions League quarter-finals.
Would Maxi Araújo actually make sense for Aston Villa this summer?
LISBON, PORTUGAL – MARCH 17: Maximiliano Araujo of Sporting CP in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Sporting CP and FK Bodo/Glimt at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 17, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
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Aston Villa’s interest in Araújo makes plenty of tactical sense for Unai Emery. The manager generally prefers a back four with aggressive full-backs who can push high and help with transitions, which is exactly what Araújo offers on the field. With an npxG per 90 of 0.24 and goal involvements at 0.34 per 90 in Liga NOS this term, he clearly offers a threat in the final third. His npxG output, which ranks in the top 82nd percentile of Primeira Liga players, suggests this isn’t just a purple patch but a consistent part of his game.
Being comfortable anywhere along the left flank, either at full-back or on the wing, would give Emery plenty of flexibility. That kind of versatility is exactly what Villa Park needs, given that depth in wide areas is still a bit of a worry. On top of that, his stamina and pressing work rate will help in the high-energy defensive style Emery demands.
There is a downside, though. Araújo’s aerial presence is somewhat limited, and the sheer physicality of Premier League strikers might test him more than the attackers in Portugal do. There’s also the question of whether Villa or any other club will actually pay the €45–50 million Sporting want. It’s a steep price for a player. Transfermarkt currently values at €25m. Aston Villa have to be precise with their spending this summer, and at that price point, Araújo would have to be an immediate starter rather than just a squad player.
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