Report: Chelsea make contact over £83m Champions League player wanted by Arsenal
11/12/2024 04:45 PM
Chelsea and Arsenal are both among the Premier League’s top teams this season and both will hope they can get their hands on some silverware in 2024/25.
The Blues sit third in the Premier League table, level on points with the fourth-placed Gunners, after Chelsea and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday, and both are competing in Europe this term.
With the January transfer window on the horizon, Chelsea and Arsenal may well decide to strengthen their ranks in order to kick on in the second half of the season.
And even if neither club is particularly active in January, they could potentially look to lay the foundations for some big-money summer moves.
Now, according to a report from Portugal, the Blues have made contact with a Champions League defender recently linked with the Emirates Stadium outfit.
Chelsea in contact over Arsenal target Tomas Araujo
A month ago, CaughtOffside claimed that Tomas Araujo’s heroics for Benfica put him on the radar of some of European football's major clubs, including Arsenal.
Now, according to O Jogo, Chelsea have been in contact over potentially signing the 22-year-old, along with Crystal Palace.
The report also claims that Newcastle United, who appear have joined the race after Chelsea and Palace, can beat both the London clubs and move forward.
Araujo is reported to have a €100million (£83million) release clause, but it is believed that his Premier League suitors would be able to negotiate that figure lower for a summer move.
Tomas Araujo factfile
Araujo joined Benfica’s academy at Under-15 level after leaving Palmeiras’ youth setup and has risen through the ranks to become a key player.
The 22-year-old has made 36 competitive appearances for the Portuguese giants, including six in the Champions League.
Benfica expert Helner sung Araujo’s praises in a Football Talent Scout guest article.
“Tomas is arguably the most complete center-back SL Benfica has produced in recent years,” wrote Helner.
“If you think of the characteristics center-backs should have in order to stand out nowadays, then Tomas ticks most of the boxes.
“Let's start with his defensive qualities without the ball. The youth teams usually play with a high line, so he is used to having to control the space behind his back and adopting the correct body orientation.
“In case of need he can make use of his speed to catch up to opponents. He is very good at winning aerial duels on both ends of the pitch, which also makes him a threat offensively.
“He is not as aggressive without the ball as he is with it, sometimes he loses ground duels owing to the superior physicality of older players, but this growth will come naturally with time.
“His ability on the ball is incredibly good, with passing and ball control being two of his biggest strengths.
“Vertical passes, diagonal passes, passes under pressure, dribbling through pressure, you name it. He can comfortably do it all.
The center-back position is a delicate one since there is little room for error. To me, Tomás stands out because he is not error prone at all.
“He understands his positioning is crucial at the back, therefore he doesn't make rash decisions. His jumps and tackles are always well thought and timed.”
