Newcastle United have their eyes on Sporting CP's dynamic left-back Maxi Araujo as they look ahead to the 2026/27 season, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke on the Football Insider Transfer Insider podcast. The 26-year-old Uruguayan turned heads during Sporting's Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal last month, delivering standout performances across both legs despite his side's narrow 1-0 aggregate defeat.

Araujo has been a revelation from the back this season, racking up an impressive six goals and four assists in 43 appearances—a remarkable attacking return for a defender. While Sporting have an €80 million release clause in his contract, reports suggest they'd be open to negotiating a deal in the €45–50 million range. O'Rourke highlighted that Araujo possesses the ideal attributes for Premier League football, describing him as "fast, aggressive, and forward-thinking," though he stopped short of calling him a top priority for the Magpies just yet.

The left-back situation at St James' Park has come under increasing scrutiny, with both Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento attracting interest from elsewhere. Newcastle and Aston Villa are the latest clubs to enter the race, joining a growing list of suitors that includes Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, and Manchester City. It's shaping up to be a massive transfer battle this summer.

"He's a player who's had a good season for Sporting and obviously done well for Uruguay as well," O'Rourke noted. "He'll be going to the World Cup with them. He impressed against Arsenal when they played Sporting in the Champions League quarter-finals, and is a player who looks like he has the profile to be a good fit in the Premier League."

With his pace, aggression, and attacking instincts, Araujo certainly fits the bill for a modern full-back. Whether Newcastle make their move could depend on player departures in the summer window. For now, the race is well and truly on.