CHELSEA are closing in on defender Benoit Badiashile as Graham Potter looks to recruit new centre-backs.
The Blues have been busy ahead of the transfer window opening and could be set to spring again.
Benoit Badiashile has impressed in Ligue 1 for Monaco this season
Talks over Monaco’s Badiashile are now at an “advanced stage”, according to well-connected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
He reports that Chelsea have submitted an official proposal for the 21-year-old.
The club’s interest in the Frenchman was well known and reports have indicated that he could cost between £30-35m.
Badiashile is strong in one-on-one situations, well-built, quick and is a strong passer.
His young age means he could form part of Chelsea’s defence for several years, alongside countryman Wesley Fofana.
The new ownership have targeted new defenders since taking over at Stamford Bridge.
Along with Fofana, the London side have also turned to Kalidou Koulibaly to help mend the defence.
And they have been linked to several up-and-coming centre-backs around Europe.
World Cup star Josko Gvardiol, 20, has attracted the interest of Chelsea but his rising value and reputation has left the Blues considering more immediate options.
Ecuadorian Piero Hincapie, also 20, of Bayern Leverkusen and Evan Ndicka of Eintracht Frankfurt have also reportedly been looked at by the Premier League side.
Reports suggest Chelsea have already made one signing for January – Molde striker David Datro Fofana.
They also appear very close to landing Brazil wonderkid Andrey Santos from Vasco.
