Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile for an initial fee of around £35m on a long-term contract.
Despite the arrivals of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in the summer, Chelsea have continued to make significant January additions at both center-back and in other areas of the field.
Although Andrey Santos is expected to follow David Datro Fofana, it is speculation involving Badiashile that has sparked the most interest, with the France international having long-term admirers at many Premier League clubs.
However, it was widely reported at the start of the year that Badiashile was scheduled to have a medical at Chelsea after an alleged £33.6m fee was agreed upon with Monaco.
While the Premier League club has not disclosed the fee, it has now been formally announced that the 21-year-old has joined Stamford Bridge.
A 🆕 Blue! #BonjourBenoit 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/wlN1kL1OOl
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 5, 2023
Badiashile is said to have signed a seven-and-a-half-year contract with the West Londoners that will keep him at the club until 2030.
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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.”
Badiashile leaves Monaco having played 106 times in Ligue 1, with another 29 appearances in other competitions.
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