Newcastle United are desperate for defensive reinforcement and have entered the race to sign highly-touted Benfica centre-half Tomas Araujo, according to O Jogo (PressReader Page 18).
The Toons spent most of last summer trying to sign a new centre-half but could not get a deal for first-choice target Marc Guehi over the line. The only defensive reinforcement at St. James’ Park was Lloyd Kelly, who arrived on a free transfer after leaving AFC Bournemouth.
Newcastle fans were thoroughly underwhelmed, but the January transfer window offers the transfer team a chance to make amends, and they are eyeing Araujo.
The 22-year-old centre-back has become a mainstay in the Benfica backline under Bruno Lage, partnering with stalwart Nicolas Otamendi ahead of Antonio Silva.
Araujo has been outstanding for Benfica this season. He has won 70% of his aerial and 63% of his ground duels while helping the third-placed Primeira Liga side to keep three clean sheets in nine league appearances.
His elegant style on the ball and measured defending has earned him comparisons to Barcelona great Gerard Pique. The Portuguese international was highly touted from his academy days and cut his teeth on loan. He is now shining for Benfica, and Newcastle want to bring him to England.
However, it will not be straightforward for the Magpies as the Benfica defender has several suitors across the European continent.
Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are all interested in Araujo. Palace made a €30 million offer that was swiftly rejected last summer.Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were also keen, but nothing materialised.
Man United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, knows about Araujo’s qualities and could push the Red Devils to swoop for him.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle can snap him up under the nose of these established European giants, but Araujo would be a coup for the Toons, giving them a long-term successor to the ageing Fabian Schar.