Man Utd rival Chelsea in race to sign World Cup star as €70m pursuit ramps up

Man Utd join Chelsea in race for World Cup star as €70m pursuit ramps up have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Uruguay international , according to reports in Portugal. insider sources reported earlier in June that the Red Devils were looking to bolster their left wing options, with West Ham United star Crysencio Summerville among their list of targets. And now according to Portuguese outlet Record, United are believed to be admirers of Sporting CP winger Araujo, who was a rare shining light in Uruguay’s dismal World Cup campaign. The 26-year-old scored two goals and recorded one assist across Uruguay’s three Group H games against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Spain, but he was unable to prevent the two-time winners from bowing out of the competition. However, Record claims Araujo’s performances have not gone unnoticed by United officials, who are reportedly keeping him in their thoughts as they plan to back manager Michael Carrick in the transfer market. The news follows an earlier report from Portuguese publication A Bola claiming Chelsea are “the most likely” club to sign Araujo, who is reportedly expected to leave Sporting this summer. A Bola understands Araujo could be available for between €60million and €70m (£52m and £60.6m) despite having a €80m (£69.3m) release clause in his contract which runs until 2029. Araujo joined Sporting from Mexican side Toluca in 2024 and has made 93 appearances for the Portuguese giants, scoring 11 goals and winning two honours including the 2025 Primeira Liga title. Chelsea close to signing Palestra amid reports Lacroix could also join While it remains to be seen whether Chelsea firm up their reported interest in Araujo, the Blues are closing in on signing Atalanta defender Marco Palestra in a deal worth in excess of €50m (£43m), according to insider. Palestra has developed a reputation as one of the best young players in the world following an excellent loan spell with Cagliari last season, with the 21-year-old being named Serie A’s Best Defender for 2025-26. Should Palestra join Chelsea as expected, he will become manager Xabi Alonso’s first signing since taking over the reins at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard will officially start work on 1 July after signing a four-year contract in May. French publication L’Equipe claims Chelsea are also hoping to land Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix for €55m (£47.4m). Lacroix, who is currently away with France at the World Cup, is regarded as one of the Premier League’s best central defenders following a successful two-season spell in south London. The 26-year-old has made 98 appearances for Palace, helping the club win the FA Cup, the Community Shield and the UEFA Conference League in a remarkable 13-month period in the club's history. United set to miss out on Anderson signing United meanwhile are believed to be weighing up a number of targets in midfield after missing out on Elliot Anderson, who understands is set to join rivals Manchester City for €134m (£116m). insider sources claims United hold interest in West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, while Ederson is to Old Trafford after a €40.5m (£35m) fee was agreed with Serie A side Atalanta at the start of June.