How Chelsea could line up with Benoit Badiashile

James Shearman

• Updated: 5 Jan 2023 15:33 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea have announced the signing of France defender Benoit Badiashile on a seven-and-a-half year deal.

Badiashile becomes the West London club's second January addition, after the arrival of forward David Datro Fofana from Molde.

The 21-year-old, who was previously linked with Manchester United, has joined from Monaco for a fee of €37 million.

READ: Who is Benoit Badiashile? The Monaco star set for Chelsea

The acquisition of Badiashile continues Chelsea's recent transfer policy of signing the best young talent across world football as Todd Boehly splashes the cash in order to help build for the future.

Since the American billionaire took ownership in 2022, the Blues have signed Wesley Fofana (21), Carney Chukwuemeka (19), Cesare Casadei (19), Omari Hutchinson (19), Eddie Beach (19), Gabriel Slonina (18), and Zak Sturge (18), as well as Fofana (20) and now Badiashile.

How Chelsea could line up with Benoit Badiashile

Edouard Mendy has fallen out of favour under Potter, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world's most expensive goalkeeper, the man preferred in between the sticks.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell have seldom been fit enough to start many games together, but they remain the first-choice full-back pairing at Stamford Bridge.

Wesley Fofana has also had his injury woes, while Kalidou Koulibaly has been underwhelming, so Badiashile will partner Thiago Silva in the centre of defence.

Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho will start in midfield, with N'Golo Kante another player struggling for fitness.

World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez would complete the trio if he is signed from Benfica; Mason Mount will fulfill the role otherwise.

Summer signing Raheem Sterling will keep his place on the right flank, with Christian Pulisic on the left - unless the Blues beat Arsenal to the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk.

Kai Havertz will lead the line, with Armando Broja injured and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looking a poor piece of business.