Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing 22-year-old Portuguese defensive prospect Tomas Araujo from Benfica this summer.
According to a report by CNN Portugal, Chelsea are plotting a move for 22-year-old SL Benfica defender Tomas Araujo before the summer transfer window closes. The West London club are willing to pay €40 million for the young centre-back.
Chelsea need to bring in defensive reinforcements, and Araujo would be a quality long-term investment for them. The 22-year-old has shown his quality with Benfica, and he could be a long-term investment for the Blues. The youngster has been linked with Crystal Palace as well.
Chelsea have shown a willingness to invest in talented young players in recent years, and it is no surprise that they are keen on the Portuguese defender. Araujo will help them tighten up defensively and he could be the ideal long-term replacement for Thiago Silva.
Meanwhile, a report from French publication L’Equipe has claimed that Paris Saint Germain are keen on the young defender as well, and it will be interesting to see if they can beat Chelsea to his signature. The French outfit have submitted a contract offered to the player, and they have the finances to pay him a premium.
PSG have reportedly offered him €5 million per season, and the defender is likely to be tempted to join them. However, Benfica are unwilling to sell the young defensive prospect. Chelsea and PSG will have to pay a premium to convince them, but even that might not be enough. The Portuguese outfit have a reputation for being a difficult club to negotiate with.
Chelsea need quality additions
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can bring in the right additions before the transfer window closes. The West Londoners will be desperate for UEFA Champions League qualification this season, and they will look to do well in the domestic trophies as well. Signing the right players will help them have a successful season.
A club of their statue will be expected to compete at the highest level consistently. However, they have not been able to do that in the last two seasons. They have missed out on Champions League qualification in the last two campaigns, and the fans will be expecting a strong reaction from the players this time around. It will be interesting to see if they can bounce back this term.
