Chelsea are considering Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo as one of their leading options to strengthen their defence in 2027. According to insider Dean Jones, Chelsea have stepped up their search for new signings amid uncertainty over Wesley Fofana's future, and their scouts have watched the 24-year-old Portuguese defender several times.
As well as Araujo, Chelsea continue to monitor Jarrad Branthwaite, Eintracht Frankfurt's Nnamdi Collins and Como's Jacobo Ramon. However, the Benfica player is looking increasingly attractive as an option: he has started every match in the Portuguese league this season and regularly captained the team.
Araujo's performances have also attracted interest from other major European clubs, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United closely monitoring the defender. Benfica are reluctant to part with their key player, whose long-term contract was extended until 2031 in September 2026. The agreement includes an €80 million release clause, although Portuguese clubs are traditionally willing to negotiate if they receive an attractive offer from the Premier League.
