Chelsea Are Keeping A Keen Eye On This Talented Defender: Should Alonso Get Him On Board?

Chelsea Are Keeping A Keen Eye On This Talented Defender: Should Alonso Get Him On Board? In a recent report , journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that Chelsea are keeping a keen eye on Benfica defender Tomas Araujo. It has been mentioned that the Blues would have to compete with Manchester United in the race to land the Portuguese talent next year. Araujo’s Decent Form In Portuguese Football Araujo has enjoyed a good run of form at the Portuguese club this season as he has put in a handful of impressive displays for them on the defensive end of the field. The 24-year-old has registered one goal and grabbed one assist in 12 matches for Benfica last season on all fronts. The Portuguese talent is currently among the most talented centre-backs in Liga Portugal. Hence, it is no wonder that the Blues are eager to snap him up next year. His current contract at the Portuguese club will expire in the summer of 2031, which could make it tough for Chelsea to land him on a cut-price deal this January or at the end of this campaign. TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Tomas Araujo of Benfica in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Should Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso Get Araujo On Board? Araujo is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive and is proficient at playing his way out from the back. Standing at 1.87m, the Portuguese sensation is a strong presence in the air as well. However, there are some question marks over whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if the Blues manage to bring him on board next year. We can expect Araujo to bring more quality and depth to Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso’s defence. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at Stamford Bridge in the coming years. At 24, Araujo has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for the Blues to pursue in the January transfer window or next summer. He will also help the London giants challenge across all competitions over the next few years. Therefore, Alonso would be wise to get Araujo on board soon.