Chelsea are interested in at least two centre-halves as they draw up plans for the next transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Writing in his Daily Briefing column, Romano confirmed recent reports that the Blues are pursuing RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba but he also claims that they “really like” Benfica’s Tomas Araujo:

“Chelsea are following many centre-backs, so Lukeba is one of many players they’ve been monitoring, which is absolutely normal, just like with Tomas Araujo at Benfica.”

“Araujo in particular is a player Chelsea really like, and they tried for him in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. At that time, Benfica didn’t want to sell the player, but he remains someone on Chelsea’s radar, and they are also scouting Lukeba, but at this moment it’s too early to predict where he’s going.”

Who is Castello Lukeba?

The Frenchman came through the academy of Lyon, making 68 appearances for the Ligue One side, before securing a €30m switch to Leipzig in August 2023.

Lukeba featured regularly for the German club during the 2023/24 campaign, making 24 starts in the Bundesliga.  He is still only 21 years of age but he made his senior debut for France in a friendly against Scotland last October.

What do Chelsea fans need to know about Araujo?

The Portuguese defender is actually a year older than Lukeba but he has been playing first-team football for a shorter period of time. Although he has played at senior level out on loan at Gil Vicente and featured for the B side in the lower leagues, he has only really established himself in Benfica’s first team since the start of 2024.

Araujo can play both as a centre-half or right-back but many see his future in the middle of defence. He signed a new five-year contract last year so he won’t be available on the cheap.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here