Bayern Munich eyeing €30m-rated Chelsea target Tomas Araujo | OneFootball

Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Benfica defender Tomas Araujo as the Bavarians look to bolster their rearguard, according to Sport Bild.

The 24-year-old centre-back has emerged as a player on the radar of several European heavyweights after establishing himself as an important part of Benfica’s squad.

Araujo has started all seven of Benfica’s Primeira Liga games this term, helping keep two clean sheets and recording an assist, winning 75% of his aerial and 47% of his ground duels.

His performances have earned him call-ups to the very stacked Portuguese national team set-up.

Chelsea made strong advances to sign him during the 2024 summer transfer window and have reportedly retained their interest, but Bayern are now in the race for his signature.

Per the report, Araujo is on Bayern’s transfer shortlist and his €30 million valuation makes him an attainable option for the Bundesliga giants.

However, Bayern would need to make room in their defence before making a serious move for the Portuguese defender.

They would need to sell either Hiroki Ito or Min-jae Kim before attempting to bring Araujo to the Allianz Arena.

Ito could be the more likely departure, with Bayern potentially prepared to act if they can move the Japan international on.

Araujo’s contractual situation could also complicate negotiations.

The defender is tied to Benfica until 2031, giving the Portuguese club a strong negotiating position and little reason to accept a cut-price offer.

Chelsea’s interest could make the situation even more intriguing.

The Blues have been monitoring Araujo, meaning Bayern could face competition if they decide to turn their long-standing interest into a concrete approach.

With his age, experience and affordable €30m price tag, he could be a terrific pick-up for Bayern as they look to continue their domestic dominance and add another European title to the cabinet.