Chelsea could save some money in their centre-back shopping this month.

Chelsea already know how much they will have to pay to secure Ronald Araujo during the January transfer window. The Blues are searching for another top-level centre-back after losing Wesley Fofana to injury for months, and perhaps even the whole season.

Fofana’s injury history suggests Chelsea need more options at the heart of defence, although they do have plenty of depth overall. It’s no secret that the Blues hold an interest in re-signing former centre-back Marc Guehi, but it looks as though that deal would cost them £70million, with Crystal Palace already proving themselves tough negotiators.

Palace held out for £75million from Newcastle United in the summer and they stood firm despite the Magpies reportedly offering as much as £70million. Now, with just 18 months remaining on Guehi’s contract, the Eagles know they will need to take a little less, but they are not going to offload their England international on a cut-price deal.

That could see Chelsea look elsewhere as they look to save some cash, and there are reports aplenty that they could make a move for Barcelona centre-back Araujo. Like Guehi, the Uruguayan has around 18 months remaining on his current contract, and reports in Spain have suggested the centre-back has told those around him that he will consider a new challenge.

Juventus are said to have sprung into action, but they have not yet Barca’s asking price. That price, according to Mundo Deportivo, is £58.7million, which works out as 70million euros. That means Chelsea could get the chance to sign a top-level centre-back with plenty of experience at the top level for around £11million cheaper than Guehi. Araujo is still only 25, too.

Barca exit not certain

While Barca will sell Araujo if he does want to leave, he is in no way up for sale at this stage, with the defender still undecided, at least publicly. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said this week: “I want him in my team because he’s one of the best defenders.

“We’re all professionals. He’s come back from a serious injury. We’ve taken great care of him over the last month, and now he’s back. He’s strong and ready to play, and he’s an option for the team. He’s very professional, and that’s what I want from him.”