Chelsea have submitted an official bid for Benoit Badiashile and remains in advanced talks with Monaco over a January transfer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Monaco are advancing in talks over the transfer of 21-year-old French defensive ace Benoit Badiashile. The offer for the centre-back may include a fee of around €35-40 million, with the Blues keen on signing a left-footed option next month.
Chelsea are accelerating their plans to sign a new centre-back in January. Having brought in Marc Cucurella and Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer, the London side feels the need to add a robust option at the back.
Graham Potter has seen the problems in defence first-hand. The club severely lack a quality left-footed centre-back. Chelsea have not adequately replaced Antonio Rudiger, with Kalidou Koulibaly not performing despite arriving with a huge reputation.
Chelsea may already plan to sell Koulibaly in January, as they remain linked with several replacement options. Evan Ndicka’s name was recently mentioned alongside Benoit Badiashile and Piero Hincapie.
Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Benoît Badiashile from AS Monaco as new centre back. Official proposal has been submitted — negotiations now in progress 🚨🔵 #CFC
Fee discussed around €35/40m with hope to get it done soon. First call, @David_Ornstein. Talks will continue. pic.twitter.com/Yrwjj1HqvM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 26, 2022
Badiashile is the apparent priority for Chelsea, and the club have opened discussions with Monaco in the last few days. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have made an official bid and remains in advanced talks with Monaco over a transfer for the 21-year-old French defensive ace for €35-40 million.
Romano, via his YouTube channel, also suggested Badiashile was open to the move. The 21-year-old French defensive ace could be a solid option to strengthen Chelsea’s backline ahead of the second part of the season.
Badiashile’s arrival will also increase competition in Chelsea’s defensive ranks, which have been leaky all season. He also fits their recent policy of signing players of a specific age profile and value for future teams.
Chelsea stumbled upon Badiashile after learning about primary target Josko Gvardiol’s huge asking price. Despite getting closer to the Monaco defender’s signature, the Blues could still pursue the RB Leipzig star in the summer.
Whether that makes sense to have two players of a similar profile in two windows remains the question. Badiashile could arrive in January and shore up Chelsea’s backline as Potter seeks to balance the team.
