According to reports, Chelsea is considering Benfica defender Tomas Araujo this summer. The Blues have already spent around £100 million on players like Estevao Willian and Liam Delap, demonstrating their continued heavy spending. Clearly not happy to sit on his laurels, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is apparently looking to add more players to his team.
Chelsea is reportedly planning an attack on Benfica in an attempt to capture their star center-back Araujo, according to a report from Portugal’s A Bola. The commanding 6’2 defender, who joined Benfica in 2019 and made his debut appearance in the first squad in December 2021, has shown his value while on loan at Gil Vicente during the previous season.
Araujo solidified his spot in Bruno Lage’s starting lineup by playing in 28 league games during the previous season after making a seamless transition back into the main fold following the loan stint. In November, Chelsea signed a new deal that included a £67 million buyout clause. Given their haste, it appears they may spend that sum to strengthen their defense.
Chelsea ready to launch summer move for Tomas Araujo
Regarding Araujo, the 23-year-old who made his debut at SL Benfica in the 2023–24 season played in over 50 games during the 2024–25 season, contributing one goal and three assists. A number of prominent teams, notably Chelsea, have taken notice of the Portuguese defender’s development in the meantime.
Earlier in the year, Chelsea considered signing Tomas Araujo, but the deal fell through. Given that the Blues are prepared to part ways with Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile during the summer transfer window, the ongoing interest seems logical. Thus, Chelsea is now considering a number of center backs.
Chelsea is prepared to go all out to sign Araujo from SL Benfica during the summer transfer window; thus, he is also a realistic target. Though his release clause with the Primeira Liga powerhouses is worth about €80 million, it is uncertain how much the highly regarded center-back will cost.
It will be intriguing to see if the young defender moves to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, but Chelsea should give the 23-year-old Portuguese international some thought.
