Chelsea sign Benoit Badiashile in deal for French defender

Chelsea have reached an agreement with AS Monaco to sign young French defender Benoit Badiashile for an estimated fee of £32.7 million ($39 million). Athletic report that the 21-year-old centre-back has agreed personal terms with the Blues and a medical has been scheduled.

Badiashile is a left-wing centre-back who will give manager Graham Potter options at the back alongside Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly. Chelsea had lost Antonio Rudiger, Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen this summer, leaving to ply their trade in Spain.

The Guardian also reports that the west London side agreed terms with Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol last summer but were unable to meet RB Leipzig’s asking price for the player. And now, after a stellar World Cup, Gvardiol’s asking price is set to skyrocket for any potential suitors. Chelsea are also said to be eyeing Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, 20, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan N’Dicka, 23.

Chelsea sign Benoit Badiashile after competition from other clubs

Badiashile had attracted interest from Manchester United last season and, more recently, Newcastle United, who were also prepared to meet Monaco’s asking price for the player. However, Chelsea moved quickly to acquire the player’s services and his arrival will bring more depth at the back and also a long-term option for Chelsea.

The Frenchman is an imposing defender, strong and quick on the ball. He also uses his 6ft 4in height to good effect to be dominant in the air which will come in handy in the Premier League. Additionally, Badiashile is a central defender who will suit Potter’s style of play relying on the back. The centre-back has featured 135 times for Monaco while he has also made two appearances for the French national team.

Chelsea are considering signing Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was the Young Player of the Tournament at the recently concluded World Cup in Qatar.

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