Crystal Palace 'made contact' for £85m-rated defender amid growing Chelsea and Newcastle interest

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The Crystal Palace-linked star has also attracted interested from Chelsea and Newcastle United.

Crystal Palace are said to have interest in Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo, with reports suggesting they had a £25m bid rejected during the summer transfer window. The Eagles are in need of reinforcements in the defence as they are winless in four Premier League games and sit 17th in the Premier League. Oliver Glasner is under pressure due to their position coming off the back of a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness, Palace could reignite their apparent interest in 22-year-old Araujo as they aim to bring him in during the January transfer window, however, they will have to fork out a hefty amount to sign the defender who is also wanted by Chelsea and Newcastle United.

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The outlet likened him to former Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique, who developed a reputation for being one of the best Spanish defenders of all time. Describing Araujo, the newspaper said: A defender of the modern type, with a good build and the ability to defend the penalty area but also showing good anticipation when cutting and good ball control, Tomás Araújo is like a Portuguese-style Gerard Piqué.”

Chelsea have been heavily linked to Araujo and would likely be able to come in with a stronger bid than Palace, while Newcastle United are also said to hold an interest in the defender.

Araujo could provide a long-term replacement for £65m Palace star

Palace have said that they will only sell the Euro 2024 star for a decent chunk of money, and reportedly put a £65m price tag on the defender who has become a mainstay in Oliver Glasner’s starting side at Selhurst Park.

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If Palace were to sign Araujo, he could fill the void that could be left by a potential Marc Guehi departure either in the January transfer window or over the summer, should Newcastle reignite their interest in the 24-year-old.

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