Chelsea licking their lips as €100m target has price SLASHED

Benfica defender Tomas Araujo has signed a new contract with a reduced release clause, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Portugal international, who made his senior debut for his country last month, has become one of the most intriguing centre-back prospects in Europe.

Already in the summer, Araujo became the subject of interest from Premier League clubs, with Crystal Palace and Chelsea said to be among his suitors.

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This season, the 22-year-old has become a guaranteed starter for Benfica and this has only increased the interest in his services, which has now prompted his club to take action.

To fend off any suitors, Benfica have handed the player a new and improved contract until 2029, but the young defender could now actually be even more likely to move.

Araujo’s new release clause

In the summer, Benfica were unwilling to sell Araujo and pointed to his staggering €100 million release clause when clubs came calling. His suitors, unsurprisingly, had no intention of paying such an eye-watering sum.

Fabrizio Romano has, however, now confirmed that the 22-year-old release clause has actually been reduced as part of his new deal. The transfer expert reports that his new termination clause now stands at €80m.

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While still a very hefty fee, it could make a move to a wealthy European side more likely. Chelsea, who are known to still be in the market for a centre-back, could perhaps be tempted into a transfer down the line.

PSG, too, have been credited with an interest in Araujo. And with Milan Skriniar looking set to leave the Parisians in January, they may dip into the market for a new defender, although it is not clear if the Benfica star’s release clause is active in the winter.