(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 15 April 2026 7:30, UK

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Chelsea are set to have scouts in attendance to watch Sporting CP defender Maxi Araujo against Arsenal on Wednesday night, sources have told Football Insider.

The Blues had representatives in Lisbon for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie last week, and they will keep a close eye on the Uruguayan again at the Emirates.

The West London outfit are continuing to keep tabs on the 26-year-old with a view to potentially making a move for him this summer, but sources say that he is not one of their top priorities at the moment.

However, that could change if Liam Rosenior decides to stray away from the 4-2-3-1 formation for next season, with Araujo viewed as an excellent option to play in the left wing-back role.

Chelsea’s transfer plans for the summer are already taking shape, but it remains to be seen whether a move for Araujo will align with the manager’s intentions for the squad.

Chelsea to comfortably beat Tottenham to Maxi Araujo deal

Tottenham also had scouts present to take in Araujo’s performance at the Estadio Jose Alvalade last week, when Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time goal saw the visitors run out as 1-0 winners.

Araujo played from start to finish in that game and played a key part in a team performance that had Mikel Arteta’s men squirming for large parts of the evening.

Spurs have also shown a strong interest in signing Araujo this summer, but recent events at Liverpool have now seen them turn their attention elsewhere.

Andy Robertson’s departure from Anfield has now been confirmed at the end of the season, and sources have indicated that he will be their primary left-back target if they remain in the Premier League.

As a result, that puts Chelsea firmly at the front of the queue to secure Araujo’s signature this summer, should they choose to truly pursue a move.

The uncertainty surrounding Tottenham’s future on the pitch means that there are many major hurdles for them to overcome before they would be able to challenge their London rivals for Araujo.

Blues ready to accept Enzo Fernandez offer

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Chelsea are prepared to sell Enzo Fernandez this summer if a huge offer is put on the table.

The Argentine midfielder has recently been suspended from playing duties by Rosenior after fuelling speculation of a summer move to Real Madrid, and his club are ready to let him go if Los Blancos do come calling.

Brown revealed that there is a belief inside Stamford Bridge that they cannot allow the midfielder to continue to disrupt the dressing room long-term, and as a result, they have decided that they are ready to cash in.

Fernandez has already made it clear that he is ready to move on, and Chelsea have now come to the same conclusion, although a sale will only take place on their terms.