Benoit Badiashile’s Chelsea future in doubt as Napoli talks advance

Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile could leave the club for Napoli, with negotiations between the two sides reportedly moving towards an agreement for the France international.

Badiashile, who has been used sparingly by Chelsea in recent months, is being considered a priority target as Napoli look to strengthen their defence. According to Foot Mercato, the clubs are close to reaching a deal for the former AS Monaco player.

Napoli are seeking reinforcements in central defence, with Badiashile viewed as a potential solution to the absences affecting that area of the squad. The Italian club are understood to favour a loan deal with an option to buy, a structure that would reduce the financial risk involved in the move.

The 25-year-old joined Chelsea from Monaco in January 2023 for a fee of about €38m. However, the left-footed centre-back has not fully matched the expectations that accompanied his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Several injuries, together with strong competition for places in Chelsea’s defence, have restricted Badiashile’s opportunities. He has struggled to establish a regular run of first-team football since moving to London, and a switch to Napoli could provide him with the chance to revive his career.

Badiashile, who is of Congolese descent from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is contracted to Chelsea until 30 June 2030. His current value is estimated at €15m by Transfermarkt.

Napoli hope the defender’s potential, along with his experience of playing in the Premier League, would help strengthen their back line. For Badiashile, a move to Serie A would offer the prospect of more consistent involvement after an unsettled period at Chelsea.

No agreement has yet been formally confirmed, but discussions are progressing positively and the two clubs are reportedly nearing terms over the proposed transfer. The likely loan arrangement, including an option for Napoli to make the move permanent, remains the preferred formula under consideration.

Badiashile’s possible departure would come after less than four years at Chelsea. He arrived from Monaco with a reputation as a promising central defender, but injuries and the competition within the squad have limited his game time.

Napoli’s interest now gives him a potential route back to regular football, while the Italian club would gain the opportunity to assess the defender before deciding whether to complete a permanent transfer. The negotiations are therefore focused on finding an agreement that offers Napoli flexibility while allowing Chelsea to resolve the immediate uncertainty surrounding Badiashile’s role.