Chelsea confirm Benoit Badiashile transfer

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of defender Benoit Badiashile from Monaco for a reported fee of around £37 million.

The Blues strengthened their squad with multiple centre-backs last summer and have now decided to bolster the department further.

Badiashile is one of the best young defenders in French football and he has now joined the Blues in a long-term contract until June 2030.

He told the club's official website: "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."

The Frenchman was formerly on the radar of Manchester United two years ago, but he did not want to leave Monaco at that point.

He has now accepted a fresh challenge with the Blues and will be hoping to make his club debut soon under manager Graham Potter.

Potter is unlikely to rush him to first-team action and Badiashile may have to wait patiently to make his bow for the London side.

He becomes the club's second major signing of the January transfer window following the arrival of David Fofana from Molde.