Chelsea and Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Benfica defender Tomas Araujo, who has emerged as one of the key figures at the Portuguese club.
The 24-year-old Portugal international has showcased his impressive ball control, exceptional passing range, and versatility, excelling both in central defence and on the right flank.
According to TEAMtalk, top Premier League clubs have been monitoring Araujo’s progress for several years. One scout even suggested that his potential is rated higher than that of his former teammate Antonio Silva, who made the switch to Bournemouth over the summer. In addition to Chelsea and Manchester United, Araujo is also attracting attention from Tottenham, Newcastle, and Brighton.
However, a winter transfer seems unlikely. Last month, Araujo committed his future to Benfica by signing a new contract that runs for four and a half years. The deal includes a clearly defined release clause set at €80 million.
Under the guidance of new manager Marco Silva, Benfica have no reason to part with their star defender for anything less than the stipulated release clause amount in January. Therefore, it is anticipated that the real battle for the defender will take place next summer.
