Chelsea are interested in signing a £68m-rated central defender they missed out on signing in 2024.
Ahead of the summer transfer window, Chelsea are being linked with so many different targets in the rumour mill.
In particular, the Blues are mentioned as possible suitors for a number of top centre-halves. It’s been reported that Chelsea could sign two centre-backs as part of an upgrade to the defensive line for next season.
- READ MORE: The two centre-backs Chelsea considered signing before landing Wesley Fofana, including £80m giant
Chelsea contact Benfica about Tomas Araujo
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea and Real Madrid have made ‘informal contact’ with Benfica to ask about Tomas Araujo.
It is explained that both clubs have asked about the 22-year-old defender’s availability, but Portuguese giants Benfica insist he’s not for sale. Apparently, interested parties would need to activate his €80m (£68m) release clause to sign him.
The report says that Benfica rejected €60m (£51m) offers from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain for Araujo because he’s a key player for them.
Chelsea’s plan is to keep tabs on the Portugal international in case Benfica soften their stance in the summer.
Back in November 2024, it was claimed that Chelsea are ‘in love’ with Tomas Araujo as a transfer target.
The commanding centre-back, who also covers at right-back, has been enjoying an impressive season for Benfica.
| Competition | Appearances |
| Liga Portugal | 25 |
| Champions League | 11 |
| Allianz Cup | 2 |
| Portugal Cup | 2 |
| Appearances (Starts) | Goals | Assists | Pass accuracy | Tackles won % | Duels won % | Dribbled past | Average match rating |
| 25 (25) | 1 | 2 | 86.4% | 65.5% | 59.5% | 12 | 7.40 |
Chelsea must sign experienced centre-back
When it comes to the summer window, we’d urge Chelsea to make sure they bring in a proven central defender to the football club. It’s quite obvious that the youngsters in the backline could do with a senior figure to lead them.
| Player | Age |
| Tosin Adarabioyo | 27 |
| Benoit Badiashile | 24 |
| Trevoh Chalobah | 25 |
| Levi Colwill | 22 |
| Wesley Fofana | 24 |
Chelsea’s defensive shortlist in 2025 includes a lot of talented youngsters, including Benfica’s Araujo.
As much as the Blues’ recruitment drive to sign the best young players is exciting, it can leave them a little short in the present day. We’d expect the team to do much better next season with a sprinkle of more experience added to the dressing room.
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