Report: Tottenham and Arsenal are vying for Benfica’s bright young player
Report: Tottenham and Arsenal are vying for Benfica’s bright young player
Tomas Araujo of Benfica is up for transfer, with Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea competing.
Tomas Araujo, a rising star for Benfica,
is supposedly being pursued by Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham, according to Caught Offside.
Some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League are interested in signing the 22-year-old center-back as they want to strengthen their defensive options.
The competition to capture Araujo might develop into one of the main plot points to
follow with the January transfer window only a few months away.
Why Is Araujo Rated So Highly?
Tomas Araujo is the latest in a long line of highly-rated centre-backs rising from Portugal.
Following in the footsteps of players like Antonio Silva and Ruben Dias,
Araujo has subtly established himself as a reliable and strong defensive player.
The defender, who came via Benfica’s esteemed academy,
made his senior team debut in December 2021 and has since accrued 29 games.
Araujo’s progress took a significant turn during his 2022–2023 season-long loan to Gil Vicente.
He played at a high level there for 26 matches in the Primeira Liga and in Europe, gaining invaluable experience.
He was a mainstay in Benfica’s defense after his return, starting at center back and occasionally at right back.
Araujo’s development saw a dramatic shift while he was on loan to Gil Vicente for the 2022–2023 season.
For 26 games in the Primeira Liga and throughout Europe,
he performed at a high level and gained priceless experience.
After his return, he was a constant at center back and occasionally at right back for Benfica.
The Defensive Puzzle at Arsenal
Arsenal appears to be motivated to add Araujo in order to bolster their defensive alternatives.
Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba have a strong relationship thanks to Mikel Arteta,
but the Gunners need more depth to prevent any injuries from ruining their season.
Araujo meets the description of a player who could rotate in without noticeably losing quality due to his experience and versatility.
Furthermore, Arsenal needs depth everywhere on the field if they are to compete in the Premier League and the Champions League,
among other competitions.
Ben White, who is increasingly depending on Araujo to cover for him at right-back,
may benefit from Araujo’s ability to step in.
A young defender like Araujo would give Arteta more choices to work with as Arsenal looks to build for the long run.
Tottenham’s Predicament on Defense
Tottenham’s circumstances are a little different since the team’s defense is
still being rebuilt under new manager Ange Postecoglou.
Although Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are beginning to create a solid relationship,
Postecoglou’s Spurs backline still needs depth and regularity.
Araujo would give Tottenham’s defense more competition for center-back positions in addition to
adding some much-needed youth and freshness.
Araujo’s poise when handling the ball would fit in with Postecoglou’s concept of
favoring technical defenders who can enhance his team’s possession-based style of play.
Tottenham’s project under Postecoglou is still in its early phases, in contrast to Arsenal and Chelsea,
which makes a young player like Araujo an ideal fit for their long-term goals.
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