Newcastle United reportedly remain on the hunt to sign AS Monaco’s defensive lynchpin Benoit Badiashile this summer.
According to a report from Foot Mercato, Newcastle United are serious about signing two French players in the upcoming summer transfer window, including Benoit Badiashile. The AS Monaco defender was a target for the Premier League outfit in January, but the move was blocked by the French team as they were worried about team depth.
Newcastle, though, have retained their interest in the defender and are now hoping to snap him up after the end of the season. After missing out on several defensive targets including Badiashile and Sven Botman, it is evident that the Magpies are ready to go big in the summer transfer window.
A centre-back by trade, Badiashile is considered one of the most highly talented young defenders in the French top flight. He made his breakthrough way back in the 2018/19 campaign as a teenager and has since racked up 114 competitive appearances for the club.
The young Frenchman is rated highly due to his imposing 1.94m physique, coupled with his technical prowess and ability to play the ball out from the back. He faces criticism at times for his tendency to make defensive errors, but the youngster has improved himself significantly in recent seasons.
It has led to interest from several clubs, with Newcastle United among the clubs keen on acquiring the services of Badiashile this summer. As mentioned earlier, the Magpies are in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer, amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of players like Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez.
It has accentuated the need for a new face at the heart of the backline. Botman has been their primary target for quite some time now, with Newcastle United even lining up a fresh offer for LOSC Lille star.
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But it appears the club are considering Badiashile as a potential alternative, in case the Botman deal goes south. Much like the Dutchman, his French counterpart, valued at €40 million, is brimming with talent and potential, making him an ideal long-term investment for a Newcastle United side ready to build an empire under their new owners.