Arsenal transfer news: Gunners seriously interested in signing £69m Sporting defender

Arsenal are reportedly funny successful signing Maxi Araujo from Sporting CP ahead of the summertime transportation window.

The Gunners are presently locked successful an aggravated Premier League rubric race, sitting apical of the table with 73 points from 34 matches, albeit having played a crippled much than Manchester City.

Regardless of however the rubric contention unfolds, Mikel Arteta is expected to fortify his squad successful the summer, with antiaircraft reinforcements among the priorities.

Arsenal oculus determination for Maxi Araujo? 

According to a study from Portuguese paper Record, Arsenal are 1 of 3 Premier League clubs keen connected signing Araujo and person identified him arsenic a starring target.

The 26-year-old has impressed with his performances successful some home and European competitions, catching the attraction of the North London club.

Araujo has made 24 league appearances this season, registering 4 goals and 3 assists, portion besides contributing to 3 goals successful 11 Champions League starts.

It is understood that Arsenal person already made archetypal interaction with the player’s representatives to research a imaginable deal.

The defender has a merchandise clause of €80m (£69m), though Sporting are reportedly unfastened to negotiating a interest person to €60m (£52m).

Do Arsenal request a caller left-back? 

While Araujo is chiefly a left-back, his versatility allows him to run successful much precocious roles, including arsenic a winger oregon attacking midfielder.

Araujo tin beryllium a fantastic signing for the Gunners arsenic helium tin supply the tactical flexibility successful some antiaircraft and attacking systems.

However, Arsenal already person respective options successful that position, including Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly, with Jurrien Timber also susceptible of filling in.

Even if Lewis-Skelly were to depart, the Gunners would inactive person capable depth, suggesting that a large concern successful different left-back whitethorn not beryllium essential.