Crystal Palace are reportedly keen on signing 22-year-old Portuguese defensive prospect Tomas Araujo from SL Benfica.
According to a report by Football Insider, Crystal Palace are preparing a fresh offer to sign 22-year-old Portuguese defender Tomas Araujo, and it will be interesting to see if they can secure an agreement with Benfica.
It is no secret that Crystal Palace need to bring in a quality central defender. Marc Guehi has been linked with a move away from the club, and he is expected to join Newcastle United before the deadline day.
Crystal Palace will have to replace Guehi and Joachim Andersen, who has rejoined Fulham, adequately, and Araujo has emerged as a viable target. The 22-year-old has proven himself in Liga Portugal, and he has the quality to succeed in the Premier League as well.
The youngster is highly rated across Europe, and he has a bright future. With the right guidance, he could develop into a key player for the Eagles. It will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace can agree on a reasonable deal with Benfica.
The Portuguese outfit have a reputation for being a difficult club to negotiate with, and they will look to demand a premium for their prized prospect. Crystal Palace are unlikely to be able to pay over the odds for the 22-year old central defender, and they will hope to sign him for a more reasonable price.
Crystal Palace to lose multiple key stars?
The Eagles have already lost Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen this summer, and it remains to be seen whether Guehi moves on as well. Eberechi Eze has been linked with a move away from the club as well. Crystal Palace showed great improvement under Oliver Glasner last season, and they need to hold on to their best players if they want to do well this season.
They have a team capable of pushing for a top-half finish, and they should bring in top-class players if they end up sanctioning the departures of their key players. However, with so little time left in the window, it will be interesting to see if they can negotiate a deal for Araujo if Guehi leaves the club. Benfica will be aware of the fact that Crystal Palace need defenders, and they could demand a premium.
