Chelsea have confirmed that they have signed Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile on a long-term contract.
Despite the arrivals of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana during the summer, Chelsea have continued with widespread January additions at both centre-back and in other areas of the pitch
Although Andrey Santos is soon expected to follow David Datro Fofana, it is speculation involving Badiashile which has generated the most attention with the France international having long-term admirers at many Premier League clubs.
However, it was widely reported at the turn of the year that Badiashile was due to undergo a medical at Chelsea after an alleged £33.6m fee was agreed with Monaco.
While the Premier League side have not disclosed the figure involved, it has now been formally announced that the 21-year-old has made the switch to Stamford Bridge.
A 🆕 Blue! #BonjourBenoit 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/wlN1kL1OOl
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 5, 2023
Badiashile is said to have penned a seven-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him with the West Londoners until 2030.
Speaking to the club's official website, Badiashile said: "I'm very happy to be here at Chelsea. I'm so excited to start playing for this club. I can't wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world."
Co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali added: "We're delighted to welcome Benoit to Chelsea. He's an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a huge amount of experience for his young age.
"We are sure he will form an important part of our team in the years ahead."
© Reuters
Badiashile departs Monaco having made a total of 106 appearances in Ligue 1, with a further 29 outings coming in other competitions.
Although Badiashile missed out on a place in France's World Cup, he made two appearances for Les Bleus in their UEFA Nations League fixtures in September.
Theoretically, Badiashile could come into contention for Chelsea's FA Cup tie at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
However, with Chelsea playing the same opponents on Thursday evening and there being less opportunity to integrate into first-team training on Friday and Saturday, Badiashile may have to wait until the London derby with Fulham on January 12 for his debut.
Darren Plant
