Chelsea have joined the likes of Sevilla and Manchester United in pursuing Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, according to reports in the French media.
The 21-year-old is believed to be a longstanding target for the Blues, and he could be available for around €50m (£42m) this summer.
Ironically, it appears Sevilla are trying to recruit Badiashile as a replacement for Jules Kounde and some Chelsea fans on Twitter feel that the London club should try and get one over on their Spanish rivals:
Might be worth it just to screw over Sevilla.
— Czar (@UnkemptBlue) July 26, 2022
Get him fast
— SHAKIL (@MyVodaNo10) July 26, 2022
If Sevilla really want him Chelsea should get him anyway even he doesn’t suit our system 😹😹😹😹😹😹😹
— Yung_leoh (@Ayomikun9138141) July 26, 2022
This kind of signing that interest me. Under the radar player, who might become a good player. And he’s tall too
— doni rizqi (@donirizqi) July 27, 2022
if he’s good. signing him would be so much in face of sevilla..
— Ji rashi 🦁 (@ji_rashi_) July 27, 2022
This guy is solid just watched his compilations
— Mike Nii (@MickyTurner5) July 26, 2022
Yes beat Sevilla to it
— Chelsea FC 🐐 (@cfcfootbalI) July 26, 2022
Please get him ASAP, have wanted him for a long time
— HRH👑 (@IrediaSupreme) July 26, 2022
At the moment, it is believed that PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe is the primary target to strengthen the left-sided centre-back position but it’s likely that Badiashile is on the list of backup options.
The Blues have run into a number of difficulties recruiting defenders this summer, with deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Kounde having fallen through following interest from other teams. However, manager Thomas Tuchel is thought to be determined to land at least two more centre-halves before the transfer window closes.