Real Madrid could soon open talks to sign 20-year-old Portuguese striker Henrique Araujo from Benfica in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication MARCA, Henrique Araujo seems to have become an important target for Real Madrid heading into the summer transfer window. The Merengues are poised to initiate discussions to sign the Portuguese striker from Benfica.
Henrique Araujo has come leaps and bounds since joining Benfica from Maritimo in 2018. The 20-year-old made swift progress in the club’s youth setup before turning professional by graduating to Benfica B in October 2020. And the young striker has been sensational for the reserve side, especially this past season, as he amassed 13 goals and six assists in 26 appearances while also scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League final for Benfica under-19.
Araujo also made his first-team debut for Benfica earlier this year and has netted three goals in five league outings. The Portuguese prospect’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Real Madrid stems from the rampant uncertainties surrounding the future of Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic. Among the out-of-favour duo, Jovic is certain to leave Real Madrid, albeit on loan, with Serie A club Fiorentina closing in on securing his services for the 2022/23 season.
As for Mariano, recent reports have suggested that the 28-year-old is open to remaining at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond the summer transfer window, but several clubs across Europe continue to show interest in him. Araujo is thus a viable target for Real Madrid, with the 20-year-old possibly being a long-term successor for Karim Benzema.
The Spanish giants have now stepped up their efforts to secure the services of the Portuguese striker, as they are set to initiate discussions with Benfica over a possible summer move. The Eagles want to sign Reinier Jesus on loan from Real Madrid, and talks for the Brazilian are leading to additional meetings for Araujo.
The report does not mention whether Benfica will be receptive to selling Araujo in the summer transfer window. But opening up to the 20-year-old Portuguese striker’s departure to Real Madrid could help them land Reinier. But Araujo might have a better chance of featuring prominently at Benfica than Real Madrid following Darwin Nunez’s move to Liverpool.