Chelsea will reportedly look to sign 23-year-old Portuguese centre-back prospect Tomas Araujo from SL Benfica in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, Tomas Araujo is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are combing the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile. So, the SL Benfica defender has emerged as a target for the West London club.

The latest update has suggested that the Premier League heavyweights are “preparing to attack” to sign the Famalicao native from SL Benfica in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Araujo has a release clause worth €80 million in his contract with the Primeira Liga giants.

Tomas Araujo and his rapid rise

Tomas Araujo is the latest highly-rated defender to rise in prominence in his homeland. Ruben Dias is the defensive leader of the current generation, and several centre-backs have followed in his footsteps in the last half a decade. These include Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio, and Araujo.

As for Araujo, the 23-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough at SL Benfica in the 2023/24 season and turned out nearly 50 times in the 2024/25 campaign while chipping in with one goal and three assists. Meanwhile, the Portuguese defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea.

London calling?

Chelsea mulled over signing Tomas Araujo earlier this year before the deal failed to see the light of day. The continued interest is understandable, considering the Blues are ready to part ways with Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile in the summer transfer window. So, several centre-backs have emerged on Chelsea’s radar.

However, Araujo is also a viable target, with Chelsea ready to launch the offensive to sign him from SL Benfica in the summer transfer window. However, it is unclear how much the highly-rated centre-back will cost, considering his release clause with the Primeira Liga giants is worth around €80 million.

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old Portuguese international is an option worth considering for Chelsea, and it will be interesting to see if the young defender moves to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window.