Chelsea 'offer' £34m for defender who could become squad's seventh centre-back

They may have a squad of over 40 players, but that is not stopping Chelsea from continuing to look on the market as they seek out a seventh centre-back.

Last week it was reported in the Portuguese media that Crystal Palace had had a bid rejected for Benfica’s Tomas Araujo. It was said by the club’s manager Roger Schmidt that the defender would “100%” be staying in Lisbon beyond Friday’s Deadline Day and into the next campaign.

However, with just a matter of hours left until the transfer window closes until January, Schmidt could well be forced to knock back even more interest with Chelsea said to have ‘burst in’ for the 22-year-old defender. Paris Saint-Germain are also linked with a move for the Portuguese star but, according to L’Equipe, they must offload one centre-back before acquiring Araujo and the Blues are said to be taking advantage of the French giants’ slow progress.

According to Mais Futebol, Chelsea are moving strongly and have reportedly ‘offered €40m (£34m) for Araujo, a bid that is said to be €10more than what Crystal Palace were willing to pay. If indeed such a figure has been presented to Benfica, then their manager will be placed in a difficult position as, while Schmidt evidently wishes to keep the rising star, £34m may prove too much to turn down for a defender with relatively little experience.

If the bid were to be accepted, Araujo would join Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah as the available centre-backs currently at Chelsea’s disposal. While Disasi and Chalobah remain on the books, intense speculation has surrounded them this transfer window with Stamford Bridge exits highly anticipated.

22-year-old Araujo has been part of the Benfica set-up since 2016, making his professional debut with the Benfica B squad in September 2020. After moving up to the senior squad in 2021, Araujo was sent out on loan to Gil Vicente for the 2022/23 campaign and, following an impressive stint with the side, signed a new contract with the Eagles until 2028.