An €80m release clause represents the ceiling of Araujo's value to the Lisbon club.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Araujo is Chelsea's primary candidate to fill the left-back position vacated by Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid for around €55m. The 26-year-old had an outstanding campaign for Sporting, contributing seven goals and six assists across 47 appearances in all competitions, and is contracted in Portugal until 2029.
Araujo fits precisely the profile that Xabi Alonso favours — a player capable of operating as a left wing-back in a three-man defence, a system the coach deployed with great success at Bayer Leverkusen.
Manchester United are also monitoring the Uruguayan, having sent representatives to watch him at the World Cup. United's interest reflects a broader search for left-back options as Michael Carrick assesses his summer priorities.
Tottenham are the third Premier League club identified as suitors. Araujo's performances at the World Cup — including a goal and two assists across the opening group fixtures — have accelerated interest that was already building before the tournament.
Sporting hold Araujo on a long contract with a high release clause and are under no obligation to sell cheaply, but all three clubs represent Premier League money, and the player's own openness to a move could prove decisive.
The race for Araujo reflects the urgent need all three clubs have to address their left side. Chelsea lost Cucurella, United have questions around Luke Shaw's availability and long-term role, and Spurs are rebuilding wholesale under Roberto De Zerbi.
Sporting's willingness to negotiate below the €80m release clause adds a layer of pragmatism to a situation that could otherwise become a straightforward auction. How quickly one of the three clubs formalises their interest into a concrete bid may determine who wins the race for a player whose World Cup form has turned a summer pursuit into a pressing priority.