Enquiry made: Man United ready to challenge Arsenal for €80m-rated defender

Michael Carrick, Interim Head Coach of Manchester United, arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Maxi Araujo has been linked with a move away from Sporting CP at the end of the season.Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in signing the player, according to a report from A BOLA.Man United initiate move for Maxi AraujoThe report claims that Manchester United have already made enquiries about signing the 26-year-old defender, and that Arsenal have also made an approach. However, the Portuguese club is hoping to keep the left back at the club for another season.He has an €80 million release clause in his contract, and they are under no pressure to sanction his departure this summer. It will be interesting to see whether Manchester United is willing to make a substantial offer to get the deal done. It is unlikely any club would pay €80 million for the left back, and Manchester United will look to sign him for a reasonable fee.Araujo could replace Luke ShawThey need a quality left back, and the 26-year-old Uruguay international could be the ideal long-term replacement for Luke Shaw. He has impressed against top teams in the UEFA Champions League, and he has the quality to succeed in the Premier League as well. The defender has recorded 12 goal contributions this season, and he could help Manchester United improve at both ends of the pitch.With Arsenal also keen on the player, Manchester United needs to act quickly in order to win the race for his signature. Given that the Portuguese club is not keen on selling him, Manchester United might have to pay over the odds to change their stance.The 26-year-old defender will certainly be attracted to the idea of joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. Both Arsenal and Manchester United could provide him with the platform to showcase his qualities at the highest level, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.