LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea in action during the UEFA Conference League match between Chelsea FC and FC Noah at Stamford Bridge on November 7, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Chelsea and Napoli are closing in on an agreement for France international defender Benoît Badiashile, according to a report from Foot Mercato.
The Serie A champions have been pushing to sign the former AS Monaco centre-back in recent days, with negotiations advancing further overnight. An agreement between the two clubs is now believed to be close.
The Frenchman is reportedly open to leaving Chelsea in order to continue his career in Italy. Further talks are expected over the coming days. The deal is currently being discussed as a loan containing an option to buy. No definitive agreement has yet been reached, but Napoli are moving closer to securing the Frenchman’s signature.
Badiashile joined Chelsea from Monaco in January 2023 for a transfer fee worth €37 million. The France international could now be set to leave Stamford Bridge after three-and-a-half years in England, after signing a seven-and-a-half-year contract.