REPORT: Chelsea Identify £85M rated defender as ‘replacement for Thiago Silva’
Ronald Araujo, a center back for Barcelona, is reportedly a target for Chelsea, per Mundo Deportivo.
According to the Catalan newspaper, the Uruguayan international is the Blues’ main priority as they look for a “replacement for Thiago Silva.”
Araujo is a vital member of the Barcelona team, but after negotiations over a contract extension broke down, they might have to grudgingly trade him. The defender hasn’t signed a contract yet, despite the La Liga team’s offer.
Given that the 25-year-old’s contract is about to expire, a sale might be taken into consideration at the proper price.
Chelsea may have to pay a significant fee for Araujo
While Mundo Deportivo don’t mention a specific price tag, previous reports have claimed that Barcelona have set a valuation in the region of €100m (£85m).
It is not known whether the Blues are prepared to pay such a fee for a centre-half, considering they also have to strengthen in other positions this summer, including striker, left-back and goalkeeper.
Are other centre-backs being targeted?
Lille’s Leny Yoro has been scouted but the teenager could cost even more than Araujo despite being a relatively inexperienced player.
Nottingham Forest’s Murillo is another name that has been mentioned as a potential target but those rumours seemed to have cooled in recent weeks.
There have been some suggestions that Chelsea could try and sign Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo. The 26-year-old will be available on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of next month. However, it is believed that Newcastle are firm favourites to secure his services.
There is no doubt that a new centre-half is needed. Silva is leaving while Trevoh Chalobah could be sold as well, and it would leave the club with just Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana as options in that position.