Chelsea have turned their focus to Benfica defender Tomas Araujo after missing out on Dean Huijsen, who is set to join Real Madrid.
The Blues were handed a big transfer blow recently when Real Madrid confirmed the £50m signing of Bournemouth star Huijsen. Chelsea had been linked with the 20-year-old defender, but the Spaniard is now set to return to his home country this summer.
Enzo Maresca’s side appear to have wasted no time in their search for a top-level centre-back with reports now connecting the club with Portuguese defender Araujo.
Chelsea News have stated that the Blues have reignited their interest in the Benfica player who the club had reportedly made an approach for last year.
Araujo has been instrumental in Benfica’s push for Champions League qualification - something Chelsea are fighting for themselves. Still only in his first full season for Benfica, the 23-year-old has been a rock in his side's back-line who have only conceded 28 goals all season.
Benfica center-back Tomas Araujo in action against Sporting CP.
Tomas Araujo's Benfica have been in a title fight with Sporting CP (Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
The six-foot-two defender has a £68m release clause, something that Chelsea did not bid anywhere near initially. Now, the Blues are reportedly preparing a bid between £42.2m to £46.4m for Araujo.
The Benfica academy product has bagged 1 goals and 3 assists this season, but as a centre-back, it is his strength and aerial prowess that has caught the attention of not just Chelsea, but Liverpool and PSG too.
Despite having only stepped up to Benfica's first team in 2021, Araujo has already gained Champions League experience and has been involved in a tightly contested title fight this season with Sporting CP. These are characteristics Maresca will likely be searching for as he looks to push his team further next season.
In regards to this season, Chelsea still have one game remaining that will decide their European fate. For Maresca, the equation is simple: win, and it’s Champions League. A loss could see them drop into the Europa or Conference League, depending on other results.