Tottenham have targeted ‘this’ full-back for quite a while.
Tottenham Hotspur have been enduring a difficult season at N17, and that has left the Lilywhites not only staring at a possible relegation going into the final four games of the season but also looking at a possible squad revamp when the summer window comes around.
And this revamp has led to a lot of Lilywhites players being linked with a Hotspur Way exit. But with all the exits linked, Spurs are also said to be eyeing a move for new players who can increase the ceiling of the roster.
This is where the Lilywhites’ links with 10 G/A Maxi Araujo make sense.
De Zerbi would love someone like Maxi Araujo on his roster
Roberto De Zerbi & Co. have been tracking the Uruguayan full-back for a while given how he fits into the former Brighton manager’s playing style.
During his time at Sporting Lisbon, Araujo has evolved from a natural full back to a wing back capable of impacting multiple facets of the game.
And we did see how impressive he was in the Portuguese giants’ recent defeat against Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Given the injury problems that Tottenham have been having with Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies no longer boasting that capacity to play week in, week out, Tottenham do need to bring in a full back down that left flank.
And that is where Tottenham would be hoping to convert these links with him into a transfer.
Arsenal take an upper hand in the Maxi Araujo transfer race
But as Tottenham build their interest up, Arsenal come as a possible hurdle once again. According to a recent report in Portugal cited by Record (via. Sport Witness), the Gunners have stolen a march over the Lilywhites in pursuit of his signature. Reports insist that Spurs’ arch-rivals have already opened talks with the 26-year-old’s representatives, and they are looking to strike a deal with his employers below his release clause. Both parties are said to be discussing a figure around £52 million, showing the serious intent of the Gunners rather than just tentative interest.
For Tottenham, it creates a familiar problem, as they have seen prime targets slip into a transfer at Emirates time and time again.
Alongside Araujo, Tottenham are also looking at a move for Liverpool defender Andy Robertson. The Scot would be backed to bring a sense of leadership and experience at N17, but when you compare it with Araujo, Andy would surely be more of a short-term solution.