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Chelsea identify defender with £67million release clause as key transfer target

Enzo Maresca, head coach of Chelsea FC, poses with his medal
Enzo Maresca wants to strengthen Chelsea’s defence this summer (Picture: Getty)

Benfica are steeling themselves for a bid from Chelsea who have identified defender Thomas Araujo as a key transfer target.

The 23-year-old signed a new long-term contract in November, but that deal, which runs until 2029, contains a £67million release clause.

Chelsea began their summer recruitment drive by adding Liam Delap to their forward line at a cost of £30m.

The Blues also attempted to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund before the start of the Club World Cup but failed to agree a fee, while they also ran into similar difficulties in negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt during talks over a deal for striker Hugo Ekitike.

As motivated as Chelsea are to add further to their pool of attacking talent, strengthening in defence is seen as of equal importance.

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A new goalkeeper is likely to arrive even if a deal for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan collapsed earlier this week.

The decision to leave Wesley Fofana, who cost Chelsea £70m when he moved from Leicester City three years ago, out of the squad for the Club World Cup suggest his future may lie elsewhere.

A Bola report Cheslea’s transfer interest in Tomas Araujo (Picture: A Bola)
Tomas Araujo of SL Benfica seen in action during the Liga
Chelsea want Tomas Araujo to play in central defence for them next season (Picture: Getty)

Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, are likely to be deemed surplus to requirement which would leave Chelsea reliant on Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo.

According to A Bola, Chelsea are now ready to turn their attentions to the signing of Araujo but could yet face competition from the likes of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.

Benfica are minded to keep hold of one of their prize assets but are fearful that a lucrative offer from one of Europe’s biggest clubs would leave them powerless in their attempts to maintain Araujo’s services.

Chelsea's Club World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders, Gabriel Slonina.

Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Mamadou Sarr, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Aaron Anselmino, Josh Acheampong.

Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia.

Forwards: Pedro Neto, Liam Delap, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu.

Chelsea's Club World Cup Fixtures

Chelsea vs LAFC – Monday June 16, kick-off 8pm UK time

Flamengo vs Chelsea – Friday June 20, kick-off 7pm UK time

ES Tunis vs Chelsea – Wednesday June 25, kick-off 2am UK time

The Portugal international was forced to play in an unfamiliar role at right-back for much of last season following the long-term injury sustained by Alexander Bah.

Chelsea, however, are said to view Araujo as a candidate to fill a central defensive position next season.

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