Chelsea and Manchester United have entered the 2026/27 season after making major changes to their squads and coaching structures.
Xabi Alonso has overseen Chelsea’s promising start. However, defeats against Arsenal and Brentford exposed defensive problems during September.
Manchester United have struggled for consistency under Michael Carrick despite rebuilding their midfield during the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils signed Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to strengthen Carrick’s options in central midfield.
Both clubs are already monitoring possible future additions as they look to strengthen other key areas of their squads.
Their attention has now turned towards Portugal, where one defender continues to attract interest from several Premier League teams.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea and Manchester United are increasingly interested in Benfica defender Tomas Araujo after making multiple checks on him.
Both clubs watched the 24-year-old during Benfica’s Europa League meeting with AC Milan last month.
Araujo produced a man-of-the-match performance in that game, further strengthening his reputation among interested Premier League clubs.
The Portugal international came through Benfica’s academy before establishing himself as an important member of their first team.
He also offers useful versatility across the defence. Araujo can operate at centre-back or right-back and is comfortable in possession.
Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion also watched the defender last month.
However, signing Araujo during the January transfer window looks difficult after he recently committed his future to Benfica.
The defender signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract last month, giving the Portuguese club greater protection over his future.
His new agreement contains an €80 million release clause, which is worth around £68 million.
Benfica have no immediate plans to sanction a mid-season departure. They will not consider a January offer below that clause.
Chelsea and Manchester United therefore continue to monitor his progress rather than pursue an immediate January transfer.
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