Chelsea are close to finalizing the signing of AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, says Fabrizio Romano. It comes after a latest report from L’Equipe suggested Manchester United were reportedly trying to hijack the deal.
The Blues are set to make the young centre-back their third signing for the January 2023 window, having signed Molde’s David Datro Fofana and Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos.
Chelsea will beat Manchester United by signing Benoit Badiashile
Chelsea close to completing third signing in 2023 after Fofana and Andrey Santos: Finals deal for Benoit Badiashile, all sides believe it will be done soon. 🚨🔵 #CFC
“Final bits” from time to time are expected here. Personal conditions in place, Badiashile wants Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/H2OIBhasha
– Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 29, 2022
Chelsea expect the signing of Benoit Badiashile to be completed soon
The deal to sign Badiashile is in the final stages, Romano says. The London club have given him priority as he wants to bring in a new left centre-back who also has the ability to add more depth to the backline. All parties involved in the deal believe it will be done soon and the young centre-back has also agreed to join the Premier League club.
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Romano also adds that the “final elements” of the agreement should be defined shortly, after which he will be able to give his “let’s go” vote. Benoit Badiashile personally wants to join the Blues as he wants to move up to the Premier League and compete against some of the best teams in world football.
Chelsea are ready to make Badiashile their third signing for January
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Todd Boehly seems serious about supporting Graham Potter’s side and giving them a better chance of winning silverware at the end of the season, as well as finishing in the top 4 of the Premier League. That’s why, even after spending a record transfer fee in the summer window, he continues to recruit promising youngsters to improve the club’s future.
Chelsea are also reportedly close to announcing the signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, with the Frenchman set to join him this summer.
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Badiashile, unlike future entrants Santos and Fofana, should be part of the first team. The 21-year-old has already made 135 appearances for Monaco and is loved by Chelsea for being a reliable and proactive centre-back. Despite the signing of two centre-backs Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in the summer, the London outfit look set to further strengthen their defensive line and create a formidable defensive structure for the future.
