Chelsea agree personal terms with Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile in third transfer for 2023 after Fofana and Santos

CHELSEA are closing in on their third January signing after agreeing personal terms with Monaco star Benoit Badiashile, reports suggest.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blues and Badiashile have reached a deal and the transfer is now in its "final stages".

The Blues have been very active ahead of the January transfer window as they have already landed Molde's David Datro Fofana and Vasco da Gama's Andrey Santos.

Romano : "Chelsea are close to complete their third 2023 signing after Fofana and Andrey Santos:

"Deal at final stages for Benoit Badiashile, all parties feel it will be done soon.

"‘Final bits’ now and then here we go expected. Personal terms in place, Badiashile wants Chelsea."

Chelsea's interest in Badiashile has been well known and reports have indicated that he could cost up to £35million.

The centre-back is strong in one-on-one situations, well-built, quick and is a strong passer.

The 21-year-old's age means he could form part of Graham Potter's defence for several years, alongside fellow Frenchman Wesley Fofana.

Badiashile started out at Monaco's academy in 2016 and was promoted to the senior squad only two years later at the age of 17.

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Since then, the France international amassed a total of six goals and three assists in 135 appearances.

The defender will be part of Chelsea's Premier League comeback effort, which includes the arrival of Datro Fofana and Santos for £10.5m and £11m respectively.