Benoit Badiashile set to join Napoli on loan

Benoît Badiashile is reportedly set to continue his career in Italy after Chelsea agreed a loan move to Napoli.

The French centre-back is expected to join the Serie A champions for the coming season, giving him an opportunity to revive his career in a new environment.

According to FussballTransfers, Napoli will pay a €3 million loan fee for the 25-year-old defender. The agreement will also include a purchase option worth €27 million, allowing the Italian club to sign Badiashile permanently after the campaign.

The proposed move would bring an end, at least temporarily, to a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea signed Badiashile from Monaco in 2023 for almost €40 million, hoping he would become a long-term solution in central defence.

However, the Frenchman has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in England. He has made 42 Premier League appearances since arriving at Chelsea, but has been unable to secure a consistent place in the team.

Napoli now offer Badiashile a fresh chance to play regularly and demonstrate the qualities that made him a highly regarded prospect in Ligue 1. Chelsea, meanwhile, could benefit from reducing their defensive numbers while retaining the possibility of a permanent transfer.