Real Madrid could be in the market for a central defender next summer. This is expected to be Antonio Rüdiger's final season at the club, and Raúl Asencio is said not to figure in José Mourinho's plans, so he could leave too. If both depart, the board would have to buy.
Araújo, 24, is one of the candidates. The Portugal international came through Benfica's academy after arriving in 2016, spent a season on loan at Gil Vicente and is now a fixture in Benfica's back line and one of the club's captains. Mourinho, who coached him at Benfica, is described as an admirer.
His versatility adds to the appeal. Araújo can play on either side of the defence, and his contract runs to June 2031 after a renewal in August, which also gave him a pay rise. A bid of around €40 million could be enough to prise him away in the summer of 2027, and says several clubs may try.
Bayern Munich could be the main rivals. Bild reports that the German club are following Araújo closely, and Sky Sport Germany reported in June that he had been offered to them. Bayern are waiting to see how negotiations with Kim Min-jae over a new contract develop. If no agreement is reached, they would definitely sign a centre-back, and Araújo is the first name on the list. Even if the South Korean renews, Bayern would consider selling him for a good offer.
The main concern is injuries. Araújo missed roughly a third of last season with physical problems.
Benfica have already seen António Silva leave this summer after he refused to renew, and they moved quickly to keep Araújo. Whether a contract that runs for another five years is enough to hold off Madrid and Bayern may be one of the stories of next summer's market.