Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Benfica about the possibility of signing defender, Tomas Araujo ahead of the Friday transfer window deadline.
According to The Mirror, the 22-year-old Portuguese defender, who has an £85 million release clause in his current Lisbon contract, made it clear to the Blues that he is not for sale.
Prior to moving on to other targets, Crystal Palace had also expressed interest in Araujo earlier this month. It is believed that the Eagles made an approach to Benfica that was rejected for around £25 million.
A lucrative transfer to the Saudi Pro League has Milan Skriniar in talks with Al-Nassr, which has Paris Saint-Germain also keeping an eye on Araujo.
However, given that they have already sold star player Joao Neves to PSG for £60 million, including add-ons, Benfica are hesitant to keep offloading their most precious assets, especially at this late stage of the transfer window.
Additionally, Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig are hoping to make a last-minute move for Antonio Silva, Araujo’s defensive partner.
It’s thought that Chelsea have inquired about Araujo in an attempt to clear Stamford Bridge of at least one central defender before the transfer window closes.
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Trevoh Chalobah appears set to depart Chelsea after Enzo Maresca kept him out of the starting lineup. A number of teams are interested in the versatile 25-year-old, including Crystal Palace.
Axel Disasi, who was a favorite under former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, has slid down the Chelsea defensive hierarchy this season. Newcastle have also expressed a momentary interest in him.
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