Napoli could complete Chelsea defender Benoît Badiashile’s signing in the coming days, after taking concrete steps.
The Serie A side have identified the centre-back and West Ham United’s Jean-Clair Todibo as targets this summer.
Last week, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy that the Chelsea player and the 26-year-old have similar wage demands.
The Championship side reportedly wanted a purchase obligation as part of the loan deal. This could have convinced the Naples club to focus on Badiashile.
Advances for Chelsea exit
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to report Napoli are getting closer towards reaching an agreement with the Blues.
The 25-year-old is open to joining Massimiliano Allegri’s side. The discussions are ongoing for the operation will be a loan move with a purchase option, without a mention of the figure.
Aouna adds Napoli have planned further talks with Chelsea this week to finalise Benoît Badiashile’s transfer.
Chelsea negotiations backed up
L’Equipe echoes Santi Aouna claim that Xabi Alonso’s side and the Serie A side are close to an agreement for the 25-year-old.
Napoli have made progress in recent days and ‘very close’ to concluding a deal with the Premier League side.
Benoît Badiashile has already held talks with Massimiliano Allegri. It could have gone well considering [Aouna’s claim] he’s open to a move.
The Naples club haven’t found the total agreement with the centre-back and Chelsea just yet.
Juventus have also shown interest in the Frenchman and aren’t ruling out a decisive move to hijack the operation. That hasn’t happened yet and Napoli are still in the lead.
The journalist and L’Equipe state it’s a loan with a purchase option, without mentioning the figure.
Loan move beneficial
Last season, the former AS Monaco man played 471 minutes from eight league matches for Chelsea.
A loan move to Napoli [or Juventus] could see him enjoy more game time, which in return could improve his value. Benoît Badiashile has a contract until 2030, and Transfermarkt value him at €15m.
Napoli will also receive an experienced player without making a significant investment immediately. Therefore, it’s a win-win for all three parties.
Key transfer points
Napoli identified Badiashile and Todibo as targets
Serie A side very close to an agreement for Blues player
Chelsea defender held talks with Allegri, open to move
Further talks this week to complete transfer