Chelsea make €50m World Cup star 'priority target' to replace Cucurella

16 Jun 2026 17:06 BST | 5 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

Chelsea could target one of the early stars of the 2026 World Cup as a replacement for Marc Cucurella following the left-back’s move to Real Madrid this week.

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Cucurella completed a rapid move to Madrid on Monday, with the €60 million transfer being finalised within 24 hours of the speculation initially breaking.

Chelsea are expected to sign Valentin Barco from affiliate club Strasbourg this summer, with the 21-year-old capable of playing in midfield and at left-back, while David Ornstein confirmed that Jorrel Hato could also see more game time in light of Cucurella’s departure.

However, Portuguese outlet Record report that Chelsea have Sporting defender Maxi Araujo as a ‘priority target’, with enquiries already made through the player’s representatives.

Current ETV

Maxi Araújo

D, M (L)

Sporting

Maxi Araújo

D, M (L)

Sporting

ETV Range

€22.6M - €27.6M

Araujo scored a late equaliser against Saudi Arabia for Uruguay in their opening match at the 2026 World Cup on Monday on the same day that Cucurella completed his move to Real Madrid.

Chelsea have yet to make formal contact with Sporting over a deal and it remains to be seen how much the Portuguese side demand for Araujo but the 26-year-old could emerge as a target in the coming weeks in light of the need for a new left-back at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea consider making move for Araujo in anticipation of Xabi Alonso arrival

Araujo has been renowned for his attacking prowess since joining Sporting from Mexican side Toluca in 2024, with the defender able to play all down the left flank and providing nine goal contributions in 29 league matches last season.

© IMAGO - Maxi Araujo is wanted by Chelsea.

Chelsea have been long-term admirers of Araujo and he would be suitable candidate to feature at left wing-back if incoming manager Xabi Alonso chooses to continue with his favoured tactical system.

The likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal have all previously been linked with Araujo, with suggestions that Sporting would demand at least €50m for their star defender.

Araujo has three years remaining on his contract and Sporting are believed to be keen to offer him a new contract making him one of the highest-paid players at the club in order to end the speculation over his future.

For Chelsea, it remains to be seen how they approach the summer upon Alonso’s arrival in July, with the club believed to be calm over losing Cucurella despite speculation that Enzo Fernandez could be next in line for a big sale in the coming months.

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