Crystal Palace have been named as suitors in the pursuit of Benfica central defender Tomas Araujo, according to Correio de Manha (Pressreader page 29).
Despite signing Maxence Lacroix to replace the now-departed Joachim Andersen, the Eagles are still in the market for defensive reinforcement.
Lacroix has not lived up to the billing in South London. He has been underwhelming. He was dispossessed for Emile Smith Rowe’s goal last weekend as Palace slumped to a 2-0 loss against Fulham.
Palace are in a torrid spell under Oliver Glasner, with the Eagles sitting in lowly 18th. They have struggled to replicate the free-flowing, attacking football they played last season.
The Eagles are keen on adding to their rearguard, probably preparing for Trevoh Chalobah to return to parent club Chelsea after his loan.
Palace were linked to Araujo before, and it appears they are still chasing the 22-year-old, who has emerged as a key player for Benfica this season.
Araujo has been a mainstay in the first-team, starting eight league games under Bruno Lage. He has helped keep two clean sheets, winning 72% of his aerial and 60% of his ground duels
His on-the-ball skills are even more impressive. He excels at bringing the ball out from the back with his well-timed forward runs and exceptional passing.
Benfica can demand €100 million (£84 million) for his signature based on his release clause, and suitors are lining up to negotiate. Besides Palace, Chelsea and Newcastle United are following the player.
The Blues were heavily linked to his signature in the final days of the summer transfer window. They could return for him. Paris Saint-Germain will also be in the mix. Their sporting director, Luis Campos, knows the Portuguese market well and recently signed Joao Neves from Benfica. They are also keeping an eye on Araujo.
For now, Palace must focus on adding more creativity and goals to their ranks in the January transfer window. They have struggled to find the back of the net and need firepower, not more defenders.
