Chelsea are close to finalizing the signing of AS Monaco defender, claims Fabrizio Romano. This comes after a late report from L’Equipe suggesting that Manchester United would attempt to hijack the deal.
The teenage centre defender will become the third acquisition for the Blues in the January 2023 transfer window, following the acquisitions of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos and Molde’s David Datro Fofana.
Chelsea to Beat Manchester United in Completing Benoit Badiashile Signing
Chelsea are close to complete their third 2023 signing after Fofana and Andrey Santos: deal at final stages for Benoît Badiashile, all parties feel it will be done soon. 🚨🔵 #CFC
‘Final bits’ now and then here we go expected. Personal terms in place, Badiashile wants Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/H2OIBhasha
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 29, 2022
The deal to sign Badiashile is in the final stages, claims Romano. The London side prioritised him as they want to bring in a new left-sided centre-back who can add more depth to the backline as well. All the relevant parties to the deal believe that it will be completed soon and the young centre-back has also agreed to join the Premier League club.
Romano also adds that the “final bits” of the deal are expected to be finalised soon, after which he will be able to give his trademark ‘here we go’. Benoit Badiashile personally wants to join the Blues as he is keen to make a move to the Premier League and test himself against some of the best teams in world football.
Todd Boehly seems to be completely serious about bolstering Graham Potter’s squad and giving him a stronger chance of winning some silverware at the end of the season as well as finishing in the Premier League’s top 4. That is why even after spending a record amount of money on transfer fees in the summer window, he is still signing promising youngsters to improve the future of the club.
Chelsea are also reportedly close to announcing the signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, with the Frenchman ready to join in the summer.
Badiashile, unlike the soon-to-be incoming Santos and Fofana, is expected to be a member of the first-team squad. The 21-year-old has made 135 appearances for Monaco already and is appreciated by Chelsea for being a reliable, proactive centre-back. Despite signing two centre-backs Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in the summer, the London side appear to be willing to strengthen their backline even more and create a formidable defensive structure for the future.