'Elite' Chelsea flop eyed by ACL-stricken European giants

Tom Weber

• Updated: 15 Nov 2024 09:21 CST
• 3 min read

Juventus are 'thinking about' Chelsea centre-back Benoit Badiashile in their search for defensive reinforcements, according to Italian media.

There has been a noticeable increase in ACL injuries this season and two clubs, in particular, have been hit hard by these devastating injuries. Both Real Madrid and Juventus have lost key players to season-ending ACL tears and are in the market for support.

Juventus are missing arguably Serie A's best centre-back, Gleison Bremer, and now also summer signing Juan Cabal, who suffered ligament damage while on international duty with Colombia.

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This means that the Bianconeri are increasingly reliant on ageing captain Danilo, who already struggled to adequately replace Bremer and now faces an even tougher job.

As a result, Juventus are scrambling to identify targets for the January transfer window. PSG outcast Milan Skriniar has, for weeks, been linked with the Old Lady, but now a new name is emerging.

Juventus want Badiashile

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have begun taking a keen interest in Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile, who is struggling to get regular Premier League minutes.

The Frenchman has been persistently linked with an exit, but Chelsea recently, via reporters, insisted that he is a valued member of the squad, in part due to his elite passing, considered among the best in Europe as far as defenders are concerned.

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Nevertheless, Juventus have enquired about the 23-year-old, though him and Skriniar are far from the only targets. Tottenham's Radu Dragusin, Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah, Feyenoord's David Hancko and even recent Fulham signing Joachim Andersen are also under consideration.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea are willing to listen to offers January offers or how much money Juventus will be able to spend. Previously, the Blues swiftly rebuffed any and all loan approaches, such as from AC Milan, demanding only permanent offers.

With prices usually inflated in January, Juventus may have to part with a pretty penny if they want to sign Badiashile.