Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing 22-year-old SL Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo, a target for Chelsea.
The Tomas Araujo tale
Tomas Araujo is the latest highly-rated prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Famalicao, the youngster spent his formative years in his homeland, passing through the academies at four clubs and graduating from the fabled youth division at SL Benfica.
The 22-year-old broke into the first-team squad at SL Benfica in December 2021 and has gradually become a regular for the Portuguese giants. Araujo has turned out 29 times thus far for the Eagles while chipping in with one goal. Meanwhile, the player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of high-profile clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur.
London calling?
Chelsea mulled over signing the highly-rated Portuguese centre-back prospect in the summer transfer window before a move failed to see the light of day. However, the Blues remain interested in the SL Benfica prospect, having sent scouts to watch him in the recent matches against Boavista and Gil Vicente. Apart from Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham also monitored him in those games.
Arsenal’s interest in Tomas Araujo is understandable. Mikel Arteta appreciates versatility in his players and wants multiple options for every position. So, with Takehiro Tomiyasu facing an uncertain future at the Emirates, Araujo has emerged as a viable target for Arsenal.
As for Tottenham Hotspur, Ange Postecoglou has only three centre-backs in his squad. With the North London club participating in four competitions this season, they should dip into the market for a central defender, making Araujo a viable target. Meanwhile, the Benfica prospect will not cost a bomb, with the Portuguese giants demanding around €20 million to sell him.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur should have the funds to afford a deal worth €20 million to sign Araujo in one of the two transfer windows next year. It will be interesting to see if the 22-year-old moves to London in 2025.
