Newcastle United will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old SL Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo, a target for Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
According to a report by Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Tomas Araujo is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are scouring the market for a centre-back ahead of the January transfer window and have prepared a bid to sign the SL Benfica prospect. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Crystal Palace are also keen on signing the 22-year-old central defender.
The Tomas Araujo tale
Tomas Araujo has seen his stock soar since becoming a regular for SL Benfica. The Famalicao native had to bide his time before establishing a foothold in the first-team squad at the Primeira Liga club. However, a loan spell with Gil Vicente helped before the youngster enjoyed his breakthrough last season.
The 22-year-old has amassed over 1,000 minutes of game time across 12 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with one assist. Meanwhile, Araujo’s progress at SL Benfica has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United.
A man in demand
Chelsea and Crystal Palace mulled over signing the Portuguese defensive prospect in the summer transfer window before the deal failed to see the light of day. The two London clubs have already established contact to sign the SL Benfica centre-back, although his hefty release clause of €100 million might play spoilsport.
While Chelsea might need to replace Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile next year, Marc Guehi faces an uncertain future at Crystal Palace, with Chelsea contemplating re-signing him. However, the two London clubs might fall behind Newcastle United in the race to secure the services of Tomas Araujo.
Recent reports have claimed that the Magpies have been working on the deal to sign Araujo. The latest update has revealed that Newcastle United will soon submit a bid to land the Benfica whizkid in the January transfer window. However, O Jogo has suggested that a winter move might not see the light of day.
The 22-year-old Portuguese centre-back will not come cheap, considering his hefty release clause. However, it will be interesting to see if Chelsea, Crystal Palace, or Newcastle United can convince Benfica to part ways with Araujo in the coming weeks..