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Chelsea Eye Benfica’s Tomas Araujo as Maresca Targets New Defender

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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has kept a settled defence in the Premier League, with Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana featuring regularly, while Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo have struggled to secure a starting spot.

“Enzo Maresca is looking to add a new centre-back, with Benfica’s Tomas Araujo topping Chelsea’s shortlist. However, the club faces competition from Crystal Palace and Newcastle for the 22-year-old.”

“Tomas Araujo has an £83 million release clause at Benfica, but it’s unclear whether the club will insist on the full amount or be open to negotiation.

It sounds like you’re referring to a player transfer situation where Chelsea is interested in signing a player, but the player’s salary demands are expected to be high. This is a common scenario in football transfers, particularly when a player is in demand or has been performing at a high level.

Chelsea, as one of the top clubs in Europe, often has the financial capacity to meet these kinds of demands, but it could still require negotiation to strike a deal that works for both the club and the player. Salary expectations can also be influenced by various factors, such as the player’s current contract situation, their market value, and potential interest from other clubs.

Araujo will be a reliable long-term option

If Enzo Maresca does not trust Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo in the Premier League, it is unlikely that he will utilise them in the Champions League should Chelsea feature in it next season. Therefore, a central defenders signing is important and Tomas Araujo has everything it takes to fit the manager’s setup.

He is a brilliant passer of the ball and has a fantastic physique. He is a versatile option who can play as a right back, and is a pacey modern day defender, who excels in the air defensively and in set-piece situations too. With an all-round profile, there is not much more that Chelsea can ask for from Araujo, who could be well worth his price tag.

Chelsea’s transfer priorities could shift, especially given their significant outlay in recent seasons. If they are looking to bolster their defense, pursuing a Premier League defender would make sense, especially if the player is already proven in the league. It’s a safer bet for Chelsea as they look to improve immediately, and they’d know exactly what they’re getting.

There are always a few names that come to mind in that category. Players like Milan Skriniar, James Tarkowski, or even Marc Guehi (if they look to go for someone with more familiarity in the Premier League) could be in their sights. A big-money signing from abroad might be more of a long-term gamble, while a Premier League defender would give them that extra bit of certainty.

It’ll be interesting to see how they balance their priorities between improving the defense, and other potential targets, given the ongoing evolution of their squad.

Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite may be up for sale next year, leading Chelsea to consider acquiring a player with proven experience in the English Premier League instead of the relatively untested Araujo.

Last Updated on November 15, 2024 by News Time

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Liverpool could beat Chelsea to Marc Guehi with Anfield his ‘preferred destination

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Chelsea and Liverpool are set to target central defenders this summer, with both clubs competing for Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old may leave Crystal Palace as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, with a move to one of England’s top clubs likely.

According to the Sunday Mirror (h/t Sky Sports), Liverpool are in pole position to sign Marc Guehi ahead of Chelsea, with Anfield described as his ‘preferred destination’. The Reds are concerned about Virgil van Dijk’s future beyond this season, while Ibrahima Konate has also been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Guehi won’t come cheap despite his contract expiring soon, mainly due to the intense competition for his signature this summer. In addition to Chelsea and Liverpool, Newcastle United are also considered a potential destination, just months after Crystal Palace set a £75 million price tag on their top central defender.

Liverpool could break the bank for Guehi

Liverpool have been linked with several forwards in recent months, and while rebuilding in attack remains a priority this summer, their defense also deserves equal attention. There is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk, making defensive reinforcements crucial.

If three of their key players are set to leave in the coming months, the Reds will need a world-class option in defense, and few are better than Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old has been praised as an “unbelievable” player by compatriot Kyle Walker, who commended his leadership and professionalism during last summer’s Euro 2024.

With Premier League experience and a regular spot in the England national team, Marc Guehi has a strong profile that could convince Liverpool to meet his £75 million valuation this summer. However, it remains to be seen how much truth there is to Anfield being his preferred destination, especially considering recent reports suggesting he may favor staying in London, giving Chelsea an advantage.

 

 

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by News Time

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Arsenal and Liverpool keen on Isak – Romano

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Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are interested in signing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with Liverpool also in the mix.

The Gunners are set to strengthen their centre-forward position this summer. While Kai Havertz has impressed with key goals, manager Mikel Arteta may seek an upgrade upfront.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that the Gunners are closely pursuing Isak, who has scored 23 goals for Newcastle this season, with only 3 coming from the penalty spot.

The renowned journalist highlighted that Isak is the top target for the London club, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko also a key name on their summer wishlist.

However, Arsenal are not alone in the pursuit of the player. Premier League rivals Liverpool are also interested in the Swede and have made contact with his camp ahead of a potential move.

Romano said: “Big, big, massive proposals will come for Alexander Isak. Arsenal will be there, Liverpool are also interested. For Arsenal, he’s the absolute top target, with Isak and Sesko as the main names. For Liverpool, he’s one of the options they’re considering, and they’ve made contact with those close to Isak.”

World-class striker

The Gunners have finished 2nd in the last two Premier League seasons and are expected to finish as runners-up again. With 9 games left, they are 12 points behind leaders Liverpool. Unless there’s a surprise collapse from the Reds, Liverpool are set to claim their 2nd Premier League title.

Arsenal’s failure to sign an elite striker has cost them, and they may look to correct this by purchasing Isak from the Magpies. The ‘world-class‘ star has been in sensational form this season, recently outclassing Virgil van Dijk to score Newcastle’s winning goal against the Reds in the Carabao Cup final.

The Magpies will be keen to keep hold of Isak this summer, but could consider cashing in for a significant fee if they miss out on the Champions League. Arsenal will be ready to capitalize on the situation to sign the 25-year-old striker, though they’ll need to be cautious of Liverpool’s interest, as they may also look to upgrade their no.9 for next season.

Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz have all taken turns leading the line this season, but none have been consistent enough. Isak would elevate their attack and significantly boost their Premier League and Champions League title hopes for next season. With Isak leading the charge, they could become favorites.

 

 

 

 

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by News Time

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Liverpool and Arsenal vying to sign Joao Pedro

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Liverpool reportedly in battle with Arsenal to sign Brighton’s Joao Pedro, says Graeme Bailey.

After appointing Arne Slot as manager last summer, the Reds enjoyed a fantastic first half of the season, even dreaming of winning the quadruple at one point.

However, Liverpool’s form has dipped in recent weeks, with their FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle followed by a failure to secure a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Last weekend, they lost the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United. As a result, Slot’s side can only end the season with the Premier League title, where they currently sit at the top with a 12-point lead.

Now, according to TBR Football, Bailey reports that Slot is eager to strengthen the frontline by signing a new striker, with Pedro on his wishlist. As a result, the Reds could make a serious move to bring him to Anfield in the upcoming transfer window.

Battle

The 23-year-old, valued at around £42m by Transfermarkt, has a contract with the Seagulls until 2028. With no release clause in his deal, Fabian Hurzele’s side is in a strong position to demand a high fee if they are forced to sell him this summer.

The journalist claims that Liverpool aren’t the only club interested in the Brazilian, as Arsenal and Chelsea are also eager to lure him away from the AMEX Stadium.

The Gunners are reportedly planning to sign a new striker this summer to help them finally win the Premier League. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are the current centre-forward options, but neither has proven capable of leading the North London club to their ambitious goals. Now, both have picked up season-ending injuries.

Pedro is a versatile forward, comfortable playing as a centre-forward or on the left wing. Additionally, he can provide cover in the attacking midfield position if needed.

The former Watford man has impressed in the Premier League this season, earning a spot in Brazil’s squad for the current international break.

Pedro is a versatile forward, comfortable playing as a centre-forward or on the left wing. Additionally, he can step in as an attacking midfielder if needed.

The former Watford player has delivered impressive performances in the Premier League this season, earning him a call-up to Brazil’s squad for the current international break.

Pedro is a Premier League proven player so he might be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Liverpool if either club purchase him this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by News Time

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