Napoli nearing move for Benoit Badiashile | OneFootball

As reported by Corriere dello Sport, Napoli are closing in on Chelsea defender Benoît Badiashile.

The tall Frenchman has been on the fringes of the Blues’ first team ever since moving to Stamford Bridge from Monaco three and a half years ago. Injuries haven’t helped him either, and now, despite having four more years on his contract, the club are looking to cut their losses.

New Napoli boss Max Allegri considers the left-footed centre-back a natural replacement for Alessandro Buongiorno, who recently underwent surgery for his knee injury.

However, Napoli are only willing to make a loan offer with an option to buy, while Chelsea are inclined towards a permanent sale.

Badiashile moved to Chelsea from Monaco in January 2023 for €38 million. Now, he’s valued by Transfermarkt at €15 million.

Napoli should hold firm

In Badiashile’s case, Chelsea have a player on a long contract with whom they may not be able to cut ties entirely on their own terms. For Napoli, going for an initial loan is understandable, given they are eyeing Badiashile as a stand-in for Buongiorno, who himself will be returning from a long-term lay-off.

A deal here could accelerate once Chelsea return to Europe from their pre-season tour Down Under, and while they do need to generate funds of their own, they could do a lot worse than just loaning Badiashile out for a season, hoping he regains form a bit of his market value.

Anshuman Joshi | GIFN