Chelsea centre-back Benoit Badiashile has revealed that he can leave Stamford Bridge this summer, and Inter Milan are among his reported admirers. The 24-year-old French defender joined the Blues from AS Monaco in January 2023. However, he has yet to find a first-team starting position because of injury issues and competition.
During an interview ahead of Chelsea’s final Premier League game against Nottingham Forest, Badiashile was asked about his future at Stamford Bridge. He replied:
“I don’t know if I will stay or not but I’m here at Chelsea so we will try to win and that’s it.”
Badiashile’s intermittent appearances throughout the campaign have stoked gossip regarding his future. Rumour has it that Inter Milan have made him one of their desired signings to bolster their defense, especially if they choose to sell defender Yann Aurel Bisseck. The Blues are believed to be in the mood to sell Badiashile for around €35 million.
Despite the uncertainty, Badiashile will hope to win silverware with the Blues this season with their Conference League final. It would be the club’s first European trophy under manager Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea Weigh up Defensive Targets Before 2025/26 Campaign
Chelsea are searching the market far and wide for defensive signings this summer. They have been led on by a rejection from their number one choice, Dean Huijsen, who opted to join Real Madrid. The Blues have subsequently approached a series of highly-rated defenders to add depth to their defense.
Included among the favorites is versatile defender Jorrel Hato, for whom the Blues have initiated dialogue with Ajax. The €55 million-rated Dutchman would offer competition for Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill.
The second choice from their shortlist is Valencia center-back Cristhian Mosquera. The 20-year-old has one year left on his contract and would fit within the budget at a price of approximately €25 million.
Benfica defender Tomas Araujo rounds out the third name on the list. Chelsea will make an offer in the range of €50 million to €55 million for the defender, who comes with an €80 million release clause. The Blues are also following Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and Leicester City’s Ben Nelson.