Chelsea reach ‘total agreement’ on £33m deal hours into January transfer window
Chelsea are said to have reached an agreement with Monaco for highly-rated young defender Benoit Badiashile despite splashing out on Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in the summer.
Having spent £33million on Koulibaly and a further £70m on Fofana, The Athletic report that Badiashile is set to move to Stamford Bridge for £32m after a medical with personal terms already agreed.
Badiashile, 21, played a key role in Philippe Clement's side during 2022 with 16 appearances in all competitions so far this season from the left side of central defence.
READ MORE: Paul Merson predicts Premier League top four and tells Chelsea how to avoid missing out
The report adds that Chelsea have been looking for a player in that specific role since back in the summer but were unable to agree a deal with RB Leipzig over Josko Gvardiol despite owner Todd Boehly willing to spend.
Chelsea have been on the lookout since Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen left on free transfers with Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah also competing for places.
Badiashile, who stands at 6ft 4in, is composed on the ball and dominating in the air which earned him a national team call-up with France under Didier Deschamps in September.
Will Graham Potter win major silverware with Chelsea? Tell us in the comments section below.
Earlier this year Badiashile spoke about becoming a central figure for Monaco after rejecting Manchester United, humbly playing down his importance.
He told Daily Star Sport: "I've always felt the trust from the club, my coach and my team-mates, and we are now in very good shape.
"After seven wins from seven games we just have to continue in this way and we are feeling quite confident."
Prior to January interest in his signature despite being contracted at Monaco until 2024, Badiashile said in the past that he has never had second thoughts about rejecting a potential move to Old Trafford.
And added of that stance in May: "We all know the competitiveness of the Premier League, it's a fantastic league that of course is very interesting.
"We all love the league but right now I'm really happy with AS Monaco and I'm definitely focused on the end of the season."
READ NEXT:
Brendan Rodgers was left fuming at two Liverpool stars who swapped shirts at half-time
Chelsea target is tied up as desperate team-mates try to get him to stay at the club
Chelsea's 16 Brazilian stars over the years ranked – as Andrey Santos arrives for medical
Source: Read Full Article