Chelsea s target central defender was intercepted by Real Madrid and turned to attack Benfica s new star Arauro

On May 21, Chelsea suffered a major setback in the central defender's signing market - After the number one target Dean Huijsen was intercepted by Real Madrid for £50 million, the Blues quickly turned their attention to Benfica's 23-year-old star Tomas Araujo and planned to restart negotiations with a £46-55 million offer.

Signing Turn: Real Madrid's Blitzkrieg Broken Blues Plan

Chelsea originally had ambitions to win Huyson. The Bournemouth central defender performed amazingly after joining for £13 million this season. He was selected for the Spanish national team at the age of 20 and was regarded as a "new generation of defensive all-rounder." However, Real Madrid completed the lightning operation from contact to signing in just 48 hours, and eventually attracted it for £50 million. In response, Chelsea insiders revealed to Chelsea News: "We lack competitiveness in salary structure and Champions League qualification, which is a painful lesson."

Alternative plan: Benfica's new star becomes a key target

Huyson's loss forced Chelsea to restart the central defender's recruitment plan, and Benfica's main player Arauroo has become the latest target. As a Portuguese U21 international, Araujo has been firmly in Benfica last season and completed 8 clearances in a single game against Paris Saint-Germain, and was called "Ruben Dias II" by Portuguese media. It is worth noting that Chelsea had contacted Arauro as early as last summer window, but was rejected because the offer was only £30 million (Benfica asked to activate the £68 million liquidated damages clause).

Now the Blues have adjusted their strategy and planned to test Benfica's attitude in the form of "£46 million + floating clause". Sources revealed: "Alauro's technical characteristics are more inclined toward a goal-type central defender, which meets Pochettino's tactical needs. His passing success rate (89%) and confrontation success rate (65%) data under high pressure are impressive."

Competitive situation: Paris Liverpool joins the competition

However, Chelsea is not the only suitor, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool have expressed their interest to Benfica respectively. Paris hopes to use Araujo as Marquinhos' successor, while Liverpool needs to fill the vacancy where Van Dijk may leave the team. Benfica's attitude is clear: rejecting offers less than £50 million and giving priority to clubs that can provide Champions League qualification.

It is worth mentioning that Chelsea's transfer strategy this summer is showing a trend of "rejuvenation + localization". In addition to Arauro, the Blues are also in contact with Real Madrid winger Rodrigo, and although the latter fell out of favor at the Bernabeu this season, the Brazilian's breakthrough ability (performed 2.3 times per game) is seen as the key to solving constipation on the right-hand offense.

Short-term impact: The central defender's shortage may affect the end of the European war

The twists and turns of signings directly affect Chelsea's current deployment of troops. In a key Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Pochettino may continue to use the central defender combination of Couliebali and Badiacile. The two have conceded 1.8 goals per game while partnering this season, and their defensive stability is worrying. In the European League final against Real Betis on May 28, if the defense line is not strengthened in time, the Blues may find it difficult to end the championship drought since 2021.

From Huyson to Arauro, Chelsea's central defender recruitment path reflects the embarrassing situation of Premier League teams in the competition for European giants - they have to face salary cap restrictions and also have to race against the Champions League regulars in the competition for young geniuses. Can the £46 million offer impress Benfica? Can Pochettino's defensive revolution restart after the summer window? All suspense will be revealed before the transfer window is closed.