Chelsea interested in Benfica's Tomás Araujo as Enzo Maresca eyes new defender
Chelsea Coach Enzo Maresca has not rotated much of his defense in the first division with Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana playing more regularly than others. The players have formed the core of the team's back four, while the likes of Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo have failed to impress the manager or realistically challenge regular first-team football.
In this sense, the Italian coach wants to sign another central defender who he can trust to occupy a position in the first team. The Portuguese media O Jogo has stated that Benfica defender Tomás Araujo heads the club's shortlist, although Chelsea will have to compete with English teammates Crystal Palace and Newcastle UnitedEdit for the signature of the 22-year-old.
Araujo has release clause worth £83 million in his contract with Benfica, although it is not yet known whether the club will demand full payment or will be willing to negotiate a lower sum.
Meanwhile, the player's wage demands are also expected to be higher, so Chelsea will have to be prepared to pay a large sum if they want to secure his transfer.
Araujo will be a reliable long-term option
If Enzo Maresca does not trust Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo in the Premier League, it is unlikely that he will use them in the champions league Should Chelsea participate in it next season? Therefore, the signing of a center back is important and Tomás Araujo has everything necessary to fit into the coach's setup.
He is a brilliant passer and has a fantastic physique. He is a versatile option who can play as a right-back and is a modern and fast defender, who excels in the air defensively and also in set-piece situations. With a versatile profile, there is not much more that Chelsea can ask of Araujo, who could well be worth his price.
However, it will be interesting to see where exactly he falls on Chelsea's priority list as it wouldn't be a surprise if they look for a Premier League defender should they be willing to spend that much money.
Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite could be available for sale next year, so the Blues might prefer to bring in a proven player in the English top flight rather than the relatively unproven Araujo.
