Chelsea appear to be closing in on signing a defender ahead of the January transfer window as Graham Potter looks to strengthen his squad...

What’s the news?

Fabrizio Romano shared an update via his Twitter page regarding Chelsea’s pursuit of defender Benoit Badiashile: "Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Benoît Badiashile from AS Monaco as new centre-back. Official proposal has been submitted — negotiations now in progress 🚨🔵 #CFC.

“Fee discussed around €35/40m with hope to get it done soon. First call, @David_Ornstein. Talks will continue.”

David Ornstein of The Athletic claimed that Badiashile was the leading candidate for Potter and this recent update suggests that the club are now closing in on his signing.

Potter’s dream

The Englishman is looking to assert his own authority on the squad as he looks to bring in his own players ahead of his first transfer window in charge of the side.

Chelsea signed Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer as defensive options, however, the onus is to bring in more young talent. Badiashile is 21 years old and certainly fits the bill with regard to building ahead for the future, while also being able to challenge for a space in the team at present.

The AS Monaco defender has proven his worth this season in Ligue 1, playing 11 matches and helping his side keep three clean sheets.

The youngster also provides a goalscoring threat, netting twice so far this term while also creating a further big chance, and this goal tally is the same as Chelsea’s centre-backs combined this season.

Badiashile has also made an average of 1.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 3.5 clearances per match, while also winning an impressive 1.9 aerial duels per game at a success rate of 72% - proving just how effective he is in the air and this could be extremely useful for Potter.

The Frenchman was praised by talent scout Jacek Kulig last year, saying: “Badiashile is strong, fast, left-footed, tenacious, good on the ball... A definition of a complete centre-back.”

His ever-growing maturity and the fact he has already played 135 matches for the Ligue 1 outfit before he turns 22 suggests he could be an ideal option for Potter going forward, and with Thiago Silva coming toward the end of his career, he could very well replace the Brazilian in the Chelsea squad.