Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United have reportedly collected information on 22-year-old Portuguese defensive prospect Tomas Araujo.
According to a report by Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United are interested in Tomas Araujo. The three Premier League clubs are keen on bolstering their central defensive unit in the 2025 summer transfer window, and they have sought information on the SL Benfica defensive prospect, who has a release clause worth €100 million in his contract with the Portuguese club.
The rise of Tomas Araujo
Tomas Araujo has established himself as one of the best young prospects in his country since breaking into the first-team squad at SL Benfica. A native of Famalicao, he spent his formative years with four clubs in Portugal before graduating from the youth division at SL Benfica.
The 22-year-old has been with the Aguilas since 2016 and has come leaps and bounds in the last eight years. Araujo made his first-team bow for Benfica in December 2021 and has come leaps and bounds since then, turning out 36 times while chipping in with one goal and one assist.
Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United. The trio has collected information on the highly-rated centre-back, who has a release clause worth €100 million.
A man in demand
Chelsea considered a late move for the Portuguese defensive prospect in the summer transfer window before the deal failed to see the light of day. The Blues remain keen on signing Araujo amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile. So, the SL Benfica whizkid is a viable target for Chelsea.
Like Chelsea, Crystal Palace wanted to sign Tomas Araujo in the summer transfer window before the move failed to materialise. The continued interest in the youngster is understandable, considering Marc Guehi faces an uncertain future at Selhurst Park. However, Araujo can be a top-class addition to the Crystal Palace backline even if Guehi remains at the South London club.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies wanted to sign two centre-backs in the summer transfer window but could land only one. So, Araujo is an option worth considering, with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles still on the sidelines. However, the Portuguese defensive prospect will not come cheap, with his contract containing a release clause worth €100 million.
While coughing up €100 million to sign Araujo might be out of the question, Benfica will likely demand a premium to part ways with him. So, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the 22-year-old centre-back.