Chelsea are now expected to make an official offer for an "elite" player imminently, and they believe a €50m (£43m) bid will be enough to get a deal over the line, according to a report.
Blues set sights on new defender after Colwill blow
After winning the Club World Cup, things were looking up for the Blues heading into the new Premier League campaign, but they have now been dealt a major blow just one week before their opening match against Crystal Palace.
Indeed, it has been revealed that Levi Colwill is set to spend the vast majority of the 2025-25 campaign on the sidelines as a result of an ACL injury.
The news will be particularly tough to take for Colwill, considering he has now established himself as a first-team regular for Enzo Maresca's side, starting five games en-route to Club World Cup glory.
However, it is clear the Blues are now eager to bring in a replacement for the 22-year-old, and they are looking to move swiftly, with a report from Spain revealing they are expected to make an offer for Barcelona's Ronald Araujo imminently.
Chelsea believe that a €50m (£43m) bid would be enough to tempt the La Liga champions into a sale, and an official proposal is now in the works, but there could be competition from some rival Premier League clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United are also named as potential suitors, with Spurs viewing Araujo as a key target, given that they value his leadership qualities and versatility.
"Elite" Araujo could be ideal Colwill replacement
Losing Colwill one week before the Premier League season is set to begin is far from ideal, but it is a good sign that Chelsea are being proactive in the transfer market to find a replacement, and the Barcelona defender could be ideal.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill
Lauded as "elite" by journalist Raj Chohan, the Uruguayan has proven himself at the top level over a sustained period, making 175 appearances for Barcelona, and the centre-back has continued to impress over the past year.
The Uruguay international ranks in the top 2% for aerials won per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs, and his passing ability could make him the perfect fit in a Maresca system.
Statistic Average per 90
Passes attempted 77.74% (93rd percentile)
Pass completion % 91.8% (88th percentile)
The only concern over the signing of the 26-year-old will be the fact he has struggled injury-wise over the past few campaigns, missing large parts of the 2024-25 campaign.
Season Games missed due to injury
2022-23 23
2023-24 8
2024-25 31
That said, Araujo is a proven centre-back at the top level, so it could be a risk worth taking for Chelsea, who urgently need to sign a centre-back.