Chelsea add Benfica defender to centre-back shortlist | OneFootball

Chelsea remain on the hunt for a centre-back this summer and have added Benfica defender Tomas Araujo to their shortlist.

The Blues were busy in the pre-Club World Cup transfer window, with Liam Delap, Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo all linking up with Enzo Maresca’s squad, alongside loanees Kendry Paez and Mike Penders.

However, their recruitment drive is set to continue when the transfer window re-opens on June 16th. A centre-back is near the top of the wish list for Chelsea and Araujo is a name on the radar.

The 23-year-old has caught the eye in Portugal, where he ranked among the Primeira Liga’s top 10 players for passes into the final third, tackles won and progressive carrying distance in 2024/25.

Portuguese outlet A Bola are reporting that Chelsea are long-term admirers, but could face competition from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. Each of that trio have also been named as suitors for Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi.

Chelsea transfer target Araujo has €80m release clause

Araujo, who made his debut for Portugal in November, has a release clause of €80m in his contract at Benfica.

In addition to a centre-back, Chelsea want to sign a winger and goalkeeper in the summer window. Negotiations are ongoing to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, while a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan could be revisited after failed talks earlier this month.

Read – Liverpool hold ‘in-house discussions’ over Osimhen deal

See more – Club World Cup: Six new signings to look out for

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