Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile emerges as a top target for Napoli | OneFootball

Chelsea centre-half Benoit Badiashile is attracting interest from Napoli as they seek emergency defensive reinforcement, according to Luca Cerchione.

The Blues have a surplus of defenders and need several players to leave Stamford Bridge to have a balanced squad. Badiashile is one of them.

The Italian team is waiting for Chelsea to “OK” the loan-plus-option-to-buy agreement they have in principle (€3 million loan fee plus €20m buy option).

Chelsea need to part ways with Badiashile, who has struggled to nail down a starting berth for the West London outfit since his January 2023 switch.

Injuries have not helped the 6ft4ins Frenchman’s cause, hampering his consistency.

He might need a new environment to revive his career, as his early showings were quite promising.

Chelsea have already signed Maxence Lacroix and will now focus on moving on players like Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah to balance the books.

They must sell/loan more, with Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Mamadou Sarr, Lacroix, and Josh Acheampong fighting for five spots.

Chelsea need to ensure Napoli buy Badiashile

However, Chelsea need to be careful with the structure of any deal involving Badiashile.

The Blues cannot afford to send him out on loan and risk having another unwanted player return to Cobham next summer.

The agreement should include an obligation to buy rather than just an option.

While a loan move could help Badiashile rediscover his confidence and form in Serie A, Napoli may not feel compelled to make the transfer permanent.

Chelsea have already seen how difficult it can be to move on players who fall down the pecking order.

Another season of uncertainty would only complicate their squad planning.

If the Italians are convinced enough to take Badiashile now, the Blues should secure a permanent exit and remove another name from their extremely overloaded roster.