Chelsea are actively monitoring a potential move for Benfica defender Tomás Araújo as they look to strengthen their squad this summer. The 24-year-old Portuguese centre-back, who can also play at right-back, has a release clause set at £68 million and a contract that runs until 2031.

Manchester United are also tracking the player, but neither club has submitted a formal bid. Benfica have not opened any negotiations and are not expected to consider a sale in the upcoming January window, making a summer 2027 approach more realistic. Chelsea sent representatives to watch Araújo in Benfica's Champions League match against AC Milan last September.

Araújo has made 113 first-team appearances for Benfica and serves as one of the club's captains. His contract was extended in September 2023 for four-and-a-half years, solidifying his status in Lisbon. For Chelsea to force a deal, they would likely need to meet the full contractual figure, though some the club should explore a structure with a lower guaranteed payment and performance-related add-ons.

The pursuit comes as Chelsea sit 10th in the Premier League table with seven points from five games, having conceded 12 goals. Their recent 3-0 defeat away to Brentford highlighted defensive vulnerabilities the club is keen to address. Chelsea's form, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats from their last five matches, shows the need for greater solidity.

João Félix's situation

In other transfer news, Chelsea's interest in forward João Félix is noted but is not considered a priority. The 27-year-old Portuguese international, whose contract with Al Nassr expires next year, is reportedly keen on a return to Barcelona.

Other potential targets

Chelsea's scouting network remains busy, with the club also among those keeping track of Leeds United defender Tarik Muharemovic, Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon, and Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi. Also, the club is set to open talks with Luke Shaw over a contract extension as he enters the final year of his current deal.

Free agent Jadon Sancho, who left Manchester United in the summer, is reportedly willing to wait until January to sign with a new club if the right offer does not materialise before then. Chelsea's immediate focus returns to the pitch, where they host 17th-placed Bournemouth looking to improve on a recent run of two wins, one draw and two defeats. The full squad list is available as manager Enzo Maresca assesses his options.

This story first appeared at ESPN Soccer