Chelsea close in on deal for AS Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile after agreeing transfer fee

Chelsea are on the verge of signing Benoit Badiashile after agreeing a fee with AS Monaco for the defender ahead of a transfer this month, according to reports.

The 21-year-old emerged as a key target for Chelsea in January after the new owners eyed a new central defender to bolster Graham Potter’s back-line,

Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig was deemed as too expensive and attentions turned to Badiashile, 21, and talks opened with Monaco over a potential deal.

Personal terms weren’t an issue for Chelsea. Badiashile was open to a switch to Stamford Bridge this month and has agreed a long-term contract.

Now David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Chelsea have agreed a fee for the France defender, who is set to join David Datro Fofana who is now officially a Blues player after a pre-agreement was reached with Molde.

A fee in the region of £32.8-£33.7 million has been agreed between the two sides and now a medical is in the process of being scheduled for the 21-year-old.

Head coach Potter was asked about Badiashile earlier this week but refused to be drawn on any transfer speculation.

 “My answer is I don’t speak about anyone that isn’t a Chelsea player,” said the 47-year-old.

“There are lots of people who get linked to this club and I’d be wasting your time and mine if I responded to every one.

“I always say the club’s responsibility is to try to improve the team but my job is to try to improve the players we have here and the team. That’s what I’ll be focused on.”

Monaco boss Philippe Clement remained unsure if the defender would still be at the club once the January window closed.

Following their 3-2 win over AJ Auxerre on Wednesday, Clement said: “Badiashile leaving? I don’t know but he was on the bench today because I also need to plan things.

“I need to give others automatisms and experience. Whilst nothing is signed, he is still a part of this club.

“A manager always wants to keep his best players. Benoît is still very motivated for the club. He shows that in every training session.”