Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Benfica defender Tomas Araujo in January, as head coach Enzo Maresca looks to beef up his defensive options.
The Blues have enjoyed a fine start to the 2024/25 season under Enzo Maresca, who only took the reins of the club in early June. After swapping Leicester City for the Pensioners, Maresca has quickly adapted to life as a Premier League boss. So far, he has helped Chelsea up to third in the league table.
Despite spending millions in the past summer transfer window, the Italian wants the club to strengthen the squad further during the mid-season trading period. According to a report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Chelsea have made contact with Benfica over a potential move for Tomas Araujo, who has a €100m release clause in his contract.
A product of the famed Benfica academy, Araujo, 22, has rapidly established himself as one of the most outstanding defensive prospects in Portuguese football. Since his first-team debut in 2021, he has gained solid experience in the top tier, making 36 appearances thus far. The former Portugal under-21 international has attracted interest from several clubs following his solid displays for the Eagles.
The report adds Chelsea are among the Premier League sides to have opened talks with Benfica for the 22-year-old defender, while clubs like Crystal Palace and Newcastle United remain interested.
Tomas Araujo to Chelsea—Should the Blues make a move?
Boasting a plethora of quality, technically gifted and tactically smart attackers, Chelsea have not faced problems scoring goals this season. Players such as Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, Neto, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix and some more have shared the burden of scoring goals. The problem for the Blues, however, lies at the other end of the pitch.
The Pensioners snapped up Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham in the summer but he is yet to make an impact for Maresca’s side. Wesley Fofana is slowly getting back to his best as he continues to forge a strong partnership with young Levi Colwill at the heart of Chelsea’s backline.
However, beyond Fofana and Colwill, Maresca doesn’t have reliable options at the back with French pair Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile not radiating much confidence when given opportunities. Keeping that in mind, Tomas Araujo could be a strong acquisition for Chelsea.
Having demonstrated leadership, solidity and a strong understanding of the game since making his debut for Benfica three years ago, Araujo can be a good option to challenge Fofana and Colwill for a spot in Maresca’s backline. Composed on the ball and strong in the air, the Portuguese would add much-needed physicality to the Blues’ backline while enhancing the squad’s depth to challenge for multiple competitions.
At 22, Araujo has a long way to go before even reaching his peak as a defender. Given his sky-high potential, Chelsea must not hesitate to trigger his eye-watering €100m release clause to fix their problems in defence.
