Chelsea interested in £83 million rated defender as they look to bolster squad - Reports

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Benfica center-back Tomas Araujo. The Blues have now made contact with Benfica about securing the Portuguese defender's services, according to O Jogo.

Araujo joined the Benfica academy in 2016 and has steadily risen through the ranks. The 22-year-old made his senior debut for the club in 2021 before being loaned to fellow Portuguese side Gil Vicente for the 2022-23 season.

After impressing there, he returned to Benfica and has since become an integral part of Bruno Lage’s squad this season. Araujo has also been capped eight times by Portugal’s under-21 team and won the Portuguese Super Cup with Benfica in the 2023-24 season.

The Blues manager Enzo Maresca currently has Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Axel Disasi as his center-back options. However, he and the club are eager to strengthen their defense for the next season. They have, hence, identified Araujo as an option.

Araujo’s contract reportedly includes a £83 million release clause, while the likes of Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are also in the race for his signature. In fact, Chelsea pursued the defender’s signature last summer but initiated negotiations too late. Benfica were also reluctant to sell their talented youngster late in the transfer window.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Chelsea’s interest in Araujo, noting that they are actively exploring the market to improve their defensive depth.

"Chelsea are actively monitoring the centre-back market. Chelsea were considering to bring in a new centre-back. For example, a player they are in love with is Tomas Araujo at Benfica. They were considering a move for him, but then nothing happened because Benfica were not selling an important player a few days before the end of the transfer window,” he said (via Metro)

It will be interesting to see how Chelsea’s pursuit unfolds, especially with multiple clubs showing interest. For now, though, Araujo’s focus will remain on playing for Benfica, while aiming for a spot on Portugal’s senior team under Roberto Martinez.

---

"It is something nice" - Enzo Maresca on Chelsea’s position in the Premier League table

Enzo Maresca certainly took over the Blues in a challenging position, with the club finishing 12th and 6th in the Premier League in the past two seasons. The start to this season wasn’t ideal either, as they won only two of their opening five games across all competitions.

However, their form has since improved, and they currently sit third in the Premier League table with 19 points. As the final international break of the year approaches, Maresca appears satisfied with his team’s progress over the first few months.

"It’s nice, especially for the fans after the last year has not been great - or at least what this club is used to. For sure, it is something nice,” he said after Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal (via Football London)

The west London side will continue to face a challenging run of fixtures, starting with Leicester City (November 23) after the international break. It will be followed by clashes against Aston Villa, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.