Chelsea could be about to strengthen their defensive ranks with the addition of one of the most exciting young talents in Ligue 1
(Image credit: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal with Monaco to sign centre-back Benoit Badiashile.
The Blues are said to have prioritised the 21-year-old as an alternative to Croatia prodigy Josko Gvardiol, as they look to bring in a left-sided central defender.
According to The Athletic, Badiashile is set to move to Stamford Bridge for a fee in the region of €37-38million (around £33m).
Badiashile has racked up over 100 appearances for Monaco (Image credit: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Chelsea lost two centre-halves back in the summer, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both departing – although they did bring in Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana.
However, Badiashile would add a new dimension to the Blues' defensive department and give Graham Potter an exciting new option in either back three or four.
Badiashile penned his first professional contract with Monaco just before his 17th birthday and has made over 100 appearances for the Ligue 1 club.
He made his senior international debut last September, featuring in Nations League games against Austria and Denmark – although he didn't make the cut for France's 2022 World Cup squad.
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Badiashile in action on his senior France debut (Image credit: James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Badiashile could be one of many January arrivals in West London, with the Guardian reporting that Chelsea are eyeing a busy winter transfer window.
Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...
