Chelsea could make a move for Benfica defender Tomas Araujo before the transfer window closes tomorrow, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The 22-year-old is on the club’s “shortlist” of targets but Romano says any transfer is dependent on a player being sold first:
🚨🔵 Chelsea have Tomás Araujo on their shortlist in case one defender leaves in the final days.
No bid at this stage but Araujo’s really appreciated, as per CNN Portugal.
Paris Saint-Germain want Araujo in case Milan Å kriniar accepts Al Nassr proposal. pic.twitter.com/fPv2X5BHOo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2024
As Romano mentions, Paris Saint-Germain are also weighing up an offer for Araujo if Milan Skriniar is offloaded so there are several obstacles in the way of the player joining the Blues before the deadline.
What do fans need to know about Araujo?
The Portuguese Under 21 international is a centre-back by trade, but he has been deployed as a right-back on occasion.
Araujo is very inexperienced, having made just 53 senior appearances in his career (26 of which came when he was on loan at second-division side Gil Vicente two seasons ago).
Last campaign, the defender was mostly used from the bench, making only 7 starts in total, having also ended the season on the sidelines with an ankle injury. He has, though, started Benfica’s three matches this month.
Who could leave Chelsea to make way for the new signing?
The favourite to depart Stamford Bridge is Trevoh Chalobah. He is currently training away from the first team as the club try to force him out.
He does have plenty of suitors, but no team is currently prepared to pay his £30m asking price. Crystal Palace are believed to be one of the sides contemplating a bid but, unless the Eagles or another club make an offer soon, any deal for Araujo becomes a lot less likely.
Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
