Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a move for AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile after agreeing to personal terms with him.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Benoit Badiashile has agreed to personal terms with Chelsea, and he is keen on completing the transfer. The move is reportedly in its final stages and the deal would be worth between €35 million and €40 million.
Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva are in their twilight years, and the Blues will need to replace them in the coming seasons. Furthermore, summer signing Kalidou Koulibaly has not managed to live up to the expectations since moving to Stamford bridge.
It is evident that the west London club will need to bring in defensive reinforcements. And Benoit Badiashile, who Chelsea are in talks to sign in January, could prove to be a quality, long-term addition.
The 21-year-old has done quite well in Ligue 1 and has the technical and physical attributes to succeed in English football as well. The reported €35-40 million fee could look like a bargain in the long run, if the French defensive sensation manages to adapt to English football.
Negotiations are progressing to final stages for Benoit Badiashile to join Chelsea, expectation is for the deal to be completed soon for €35/40m fee. 🚨🔵 #CFC
There’s an agreement in principle on personal terms with Badiashile, he’s now keen on the move as reported yesterday. pic.twitter.com/iAW8mCjjym
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 27, 2022
The defensive unit has been a major concern for Chelsea this season. So they will need to plug the gaps at the back if they want to challenge for major trophies in the near future. Furthermore, co-owner Todd, Boehly is looking to build a side for the future, and there is a distinct lack of young centre-backs at the club.
Currently, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana are the only young centre-backs at Stamford Bridge. And Chelsea should look to bring in a few more defenders in the upcoming windows. The Blues are currently fighting for a place in the top four, and it will be interesting to see if they can secure Champions League qualification.
A couple of intelligent additions in January could really boost their pursuit of UEFA Champions League qualification. Along with Benoit Badiashile, Chelsea are hoping to improve the midfield options when the transfer window opens in January. They have been linked with a number of players like Enzo Fernandez, and it will be interesting to see who they end up signing eventually.
