Chelsea have entered the race for highly-rated Benfica defender Tomas Araujo, according to L’Equipe. The Blues are looking to capitalise on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Araujo’s future amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG have already tabled a €5 million-per-year contract offer to the 22-year-old centre-back. However, they cannot sign him unless they shift Milan Skriniar or Danilo Pereira off their books.
Chelsea have seized the opportunity to contact Benfica to express their interest in Araujo. However, Benfica publicly claim they are not looking to sell any key players in this late stage of the transfer window.
Araujo has been a standout performer for Benfica this season and is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in European football.
His ability to read the game, composure on the ball, and physical presence make him an attractive target for top clubs.
The Portugal youth international graduated from the Benfica Campus and made his first team debut in 2021 before a loan to Gil Vicente for the 2022/23 season.
He returned and played a bit-part role last season, recording impressive numbers. He won 59% of his duels while registering 90% passing accuracy in his 13 league appearances.
This season, Araujo started all three of their Primeira Liga games and has been imperious at the back, winning 73% of his aerial and 80% of his ground duels while helping the defence keep one clean sheet.
He remains consistently excellent on the ball, with line-breaking pings and a remarkable ability to drive the ball up the field.
However, Chelsea must offload one or two of the many defenders on their books before considering another player.
Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobh are more than enough centre-back talent for any club.
Having excessive options hasn’t stopped the Blues from plundering the market for new signings, but they should be worried about trimming their bloated squad right now rather than adding to it.
