Chelsea are obsessed about signing ‘elite’ centre-back, but he is now worth £25m more in the transfer market

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Chelsea are likely to strengthen in a number of key positions when this season comes to an end and the summer transfer window opens.

Centre-back is one role that is likely to be added to, with injuries playing a factor in their ability to name a solid back four consistently this season.

Enzo Maresca has praised Wesley Fofana on plenty of occassions since taking over as Chelsea manager, however he has not been able to call upon him since early December due to a continue of injuries.

However, Fofana was in the squad to face Southampton, and Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah are available again too in a big boost ahead of the final couple of months of the season.

Top Chelsea target Tomas Araujo risen in value by £25m

Despite this, Chelsea are going to ‘go big’ for a new centre-back this summer if reports are to be believed, with a number of players mentioned as targets.

The Blues had a seven-name shortlist in January, however didn’t add to their ranks during the winter transfer window with a new defender.

This is despite them being long-term admirers of Tomas Araujo, a player they tried to sign before the season got underway.

The young defender has enjoyed a fantastic campaign as part of the Benfica side who sit second in the table in Portugal with a game in hand on leaders Sporting Lisbon.

Chelsea have been described as ‘in love’ with Araujo, however any efforts to sign him may be made more difficult based on his form this season.

According to CIES Football Observatory’s latest report, Araujo’s transfer value has risen over £25m in the last six months.

Chelsea youngster Estevao Willian has also risen, and Chelsea remain extremely excited at the prospect of him joining the first team squad next season.

Chelsea’s other centre-back targets

Chelsea have been linked to a number of top centre-backs around Europe ahead of the transfer window opening again

The Blues are fans of Marc Guehi, and the fact he has history at Stamford Bridge and is a Premier League captain makes him a viable option to suit their lack of leadership.

They are also keen on other talents in Portugal. Ousmane Diomande has been mentioned as one of the candidates if Chelsea are prepared to pay big money for a new centre-back.