Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Benoit Badiashile from AS Monaco in a deal worth 38m euros (£33.5m) as they continue their overhaul of Graham Potter’s squad.
The Blues are set for a busy January, and have already announced the addition of David Fatro Fofana from SK Molde this transfer window, and have now added the 21-year-old French defender on a seven-and-a-half-year deal to their ranks.
Badiashile has made over 150 senior appearances, and as a left-footed central defender is expected to play on the left-side of Chelsea’ back three, a position that he will contest with summer signing Marc Cucurella.
“Benoit Badiashile has completed a permanent transfer to Chelsea from AS Monaco, signing a seven-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge” an official statement began.
“At 6ft 4in, Badiashile is a dominant defender in the air but equally comfortable with the ball at his feet, capable of playing short passes out from the back or switching the play with longer diagonals. His blistering speed is a key attribute and he has experience in both a back four and back three at club level”.
Meanwhile, the defender himself added ‘I’m very happy to be here at Chelsea. I’m so excited to start playing for this club. I can’t wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world.’
He becomes the fourth defensive addition since Todd Boehly took charge, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and the aforementioned Cucurella having all arrived over the summer.
Chelsea are expected to continue spending this January, despite a deal for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez having stalled over the Blues’ refusal to pay the 120m euros release clause, and they remain on the hunt for a central midfielder.
They are also thought to be in the market for a striker, with Joao Felix and Memphis Depay both linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this window.
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