Chelsea are in the ‘final details’ of completing the signing of Benoit Badiashile, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Romano revealed that the Blues are set to announce the signing of the Monaco centre-back in the next few days, with only the last touches of the deal still to be agreed.
It seems Badiashile will become Chelsea’s latest January signing alongside youngsters David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos, with the latter set to be confirmed following a medical.
Todd Boehly has wasted no time this winter and a swift move for Badiashile is now on the verge of finalisation before the window has even opened.
Romano previously tweeted that personal terms for the Frenchman have already been agreed and all that remains are the final touches.
However, he revealed an update on House of Champions that the fee between the clubs is part of the final discussions.
He said: “For Badiashile, I think we are at the final bits of the deal, it’s really the final, final details.
“Chelsea and Monaco are really close on the agreement for Badiashile.
“They made an official bid a few days ago, €35m; Monaco want a bit more, want to arrive around €40m with some add-ons, so they are now discussing the structure of this €5m add ons.
“The player is absolutely ready and open to joining Chelsea, so personal terms agreed.
“Agreement really close also between clubs, and I feel that Badiashile in the next days will be the new centre-back of Chelsea.”
TIF Thoughts on Romano’s comments…
The Badiashile deal shows just how ruthless Boehly has been since arriving at Chelsea in the summer with him all but delivering three signings for Graham Potter before the January window even opens.
Chelsea have struggled with injuries at the back this season, with £75m arrival Wesley Fofana playing just four games for the west Londoners due to injury, with another fresh knee injury concern leaving him out until the end of January.
Alongside Thiago Silva’s future set to be discussed, Badiashile’s arrival as a left-footed centre-back will allow Potter to better implement his possession-based style, with Kalidou Koulibaly currently operating as a right-footed option on the left-hand side.