Chelsea are edging toward an exit for central defender Benoit Badiashile, with Napoli emerging as the most serious option for the struggling Frenchman.
The Italian club are keen on taking Badiashile on a loan deal, with a potential option to buy included in any agreement struck between the two clubs.
Badiashile signed for Chelsea in January 2023 but has never managed to establish himself as a consistent presence in the starting lineup at Stamford Bridge.
In three and a half years with the club, the former Monaco man has made just 42 Premier League appearances, a modest return for a player brought in as a senior defensive option.
Chelsea have significantly strengthened their backline this summer, with the arrival of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace adding physicality and Premier League-proven quality to the group.
With Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and Josh Acheampong also expected to remain, Badiashile has found himself surplus to requirements at the club.
Last summer Chelsea struggled to find any meaningful interest in the defender, but Napoli have now stepped forward as a genuine suitor willing to take him on.
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has pushed hard on the story, reporting that today “could be a crucial day” in negotiations between the two clubs.
Chelsea are pushing for a permanent sale, while Napoli prefer a loan arrangement, meaning a loan deal with a purchase clause attached appears to be the most likely outcome.
Di Marzio has stated he is “confident” Chelsea will agree to a loan if both parties can settle on the price and terms that would trigger any permanent transfer clause.
The precise valuation attached to a potential future purchase is expected to be the key sticking point as discussions continue between the two clubs over the coming days.
If an agreement is reached, it would represent a significant piece of Chelsea’s summer defensive restructuring and clear a meaningful wage from their books heading into the new season.
