Chelsea are reportedly prepared to rival Real Madrid for the services of Benfica star Tomas Araujo.
The 22-year-old has been a shining light for the Portuguese side this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists across 25 Primeira Liga outings.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are on the hunt for a top-five finish in the Premier League, a placement which would suffice to bring Champions League football back to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues' continental ambitions were boosted on Saturday afternoon when a solitary Nicolas Jackson goal secured a 1-0 victory over Everton.
Chelsea are currently occupying fifth spot in the Premier League standings with four games remaining, level on points with Nottingham Forest in sixth.
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Chelsea to battle Real Madrid for Araujo?
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are preparing some serious swoops during the upcoming summer transfer window, rivalling fellow European heavy spenders.
The report claims that the Blues are keen on securing the signature of Benfica and Portugal prodigy Araujo ahead of the 2025-26 campaign in England.
As well as Enzo Maresca's men, it is understood that current Champions League holders Real Madrid are interested in capturing the defender.
The 22-year-old is supposedly seen as a major part of the future for Benfica, who are not willing to sell the player for anything less than his €80m (£68m) release clause.
This is not Chelsea's first rodeo in transfer negotiations for Araujo, who was the subject of bids from both the Blues and Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
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Araujo latest as Chelsea, Real Madrid circle
It is believed that Chelsea and Real Madrid have both made informal contact with Benfica, enquiring about Araujo's availability this summer.
Tied down at Estadio de Sport Lisboa e Benfica until the summer of 2029, there is a distinct possibility that the 22-year-old remains in Portugal past the upcoming trading point.
However, Real Madrid are said to be extremely keen to sign Araujo, who they view as a long-term option for their backline following a disappointing campaign to date under Carlo Ancelotti.
Carter White
