Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile is set to join Chelsea in a deal worth around £33million.
The 21-year-old has impressed for the Ligue 1 side since breaking into the first team in 2018 and despite interest from Newcastle last summer, Chelsea look set to land the starlet.
The Athletic report Badiashile has agreed personal terms on a long-term contract and his medical is in the process of being scheduled.
The France international fits the bill for Chelsea who are in the market for a left-sided centre-back.
Initially, the Blues set their sights on Croatia’s World Cup cup sensation Josko Gvardiol but were unable to agree a deal with his club RB Leipzig.
But Badiashile presents Chelsea with the opportunity to bolster their backline at a fraction of the Gvardiol’s valuation.
Boss Graham Potter will welcome the arrival considering his lack of options at centre-back following the exits of Andreas Cristensen and Antonio Rudiger in July.
Chelsea did manage to bring in Wesley Fofana from Leicester City but injury has hampered his start to life at Stamford Bridge while Kalidou Koulibaly is yet to show his best form since arriving in the summer.
That has left 38-year-old Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah at his disposal although left-back Marc Cucurella can also be deployed in a central role.
Badiashile was an unused substitute in Monaco’s 3-2 win at Auxerre on Wednesday as Ligue 1 resumed after the World Cup break.
But it’s unlikely that he will play any part in the principality side’s league fixture on Monday as he finalises his move to west London.
The Frenchman will provide defensive solidity, an aerial threat and maturity despite his tender age.
His performances for Monaco earned him two caps for France in 2022 but was not selected for Les Bleus’ World Cup squad.
SOURCE: talksport.com
