Chelsea defender gives green light as €23m Napoli talks progress
Chelsea defender Benoît Badiashile has given the green light to join Napoli as talks over a loan with an option to buy continue to progress.
The France international has been linked with a Stamford Bridge exit throughout the summer, but Napoli are now pushing to complete a deal.
Nicolò Schira reports that the proposed package would be worth around €20million to €23m if the option is eventually activated. Badiashile has also made himself available for the move and has an agreement in principle over his future contract in Naples.
The latest development comes as Football Italia reports that Napoli have reached a broad agreement with Chelsea for the defender.
🚨 NEW: Talks are progressing between Chelsea and Napoli for Benoît Badiashile.
A loan with an option to buy worth a total package of around €20-23m is being discussed.
Badiashile has given his availability to join Napoli.
(@NicoSchira) #CFC pic.twitter.com/hVWy3PKFKy
— ChelseaReport (@chelsreport_) August 6, 2026
Napoli transfer talks move closer to Badiashile exit
Napoli are working on a season-long loan with an option to make the transfer permanent.
That represents progress from earlier negotiations, when Chelsea had been reluctant to sanction another temporary departure and preferred either an outright sale or stronger guarantees over a future purchase.
Badiashile’s willingness to join could now help move negotiations towards a conclusion.
The 25-year-old has struggled to establish himself as an automatic starter at Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea’s defensive options have continued to change under Xabi Alonso.
New arrival Marco Palestra has already impressed during pre-season, with ReadChelsea looking at the selection decisions his emergence has created for Alonso.
Chelsea also have Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and other options competing for defensive minutes.
A move to Napoli would provide Badiashile with the opportunity to establish himself in Serie A, while Chelsea would create more room within an increasingly crowded defensive group.
There is still work to complete between the clubs, particularly around the structure of the purchase option.
However, Badiashile’s approval and the progress made in club-to-club talks suggest his Chelsea exit is now moving closer.
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