Despite having a number of promising options in central defence, Chelsea are considering bolstering their defensive armoury in the upcoming January window.
That is dependent on the overturning of their transfer ban from FIFA, but should they receive the green light with a successful appeal, Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile will be at the top of their priorities list, according to reports from Le 10 Sport.
Badiashile, 18. has established himself as one of Monaco’s first-choice defenders in the 2019/20 campaign, having made seven appearances in all competitions so far this season.
The French U19 international, who would be competing with the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Andreas Christensen for a starting berth, would certainly fit the profile of player that manager Frank Lampard is currently excelling at utilising.
The Frenchman’s potential arrival at Stamford Bridge could come as soon as January, though as further reported by Le 10 Sport the club are willing to wait until next summer should FIFA opt to uphold their ban in the upcoming transfer window.
A move for Badiashile would represent an alteration in Chelsea’s typical transfer policy that has often been centred on high-profile, marquee signings arriving at the club.
But with new manager Lampard’s footballing philosophy placing considerable faith in the club’s youthful prospects, the 18-year-old could excel for the Premier League side if given the opportunity – as the likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Tomori have done so far in 2019/20.
This is a potential transfer that hinges on FIFA’s upcoming decision regarding the club’s transfer ban, but if it is overturned then Badiashile would represent a shrewd addition to Chelsea’s already impressive defensive options at Stamford Bridge.
