Benfica Targets English Duo to Strengthen Defense, Chelsea Defender in the Lead

Benfica is targeting a new defender during the current transfer window, placing English duo Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tosin Adarabioyo among their options to strengthen the backline.

CaughtOffside reports that Benfica has made a £17 million offer to sign Harwood from Southampton, but the English club has rejected the bid, insisting on around £30 million for his departure.

In light of the difficulty in reaching an agreement regarding Harwood, Adarabioyo has emerged as an alternative option for Benfica, especially after his role at Chelsea diminished following Levi Colwill's return from injury and the signing of Lacroix.

Chelsea is keen to sell Tosin Adarabioyo as the club seeks to reduce the size of its squad, which could open the door for an agreement with Benfica should the deal for Harwood falter.

Benfica needs to bolster their central defense after the departures of Antonio Silva and Nicolás Otamendi. However, signing Clément Lenglet on loan does not seem sufficient to fill the void in the backline.

According to the same source, journalist Ben Jacobs reported that Benfica continues to weigh its options among English defenders, with a current preference for Adarabioyo, given Chelsea and Southampton's stance on selling players.