According to a report from David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea and AS Monaco have agreed to terms for the transfer of defender Benoit Badiashile.
The 21-year-contract old’s is estimated to be valued between €37 and €38 million (£32.8 and £33.7 million).
Badiashile and Chelsea have reached a personal agreement on the conditions of a long-term deal, and his medical appointment is currently being scheduled.
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Since the summer, the Blues have been searching for new center-back legs.
In place of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who are now working in Spain, Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly were brought in.
However, considering that Cesar Azpilicutea is also in his 30s and Thiago Silva is 38, it makes sense for Chelsea to continue looking for further defensive reinforcements.
Chelsea have been looking at numerous other young prospects for the position, including 23-year-old Evan N’Dicka of Eintracht Frankfurt and 20-year-old Piero Hincapie of Bayer Leverkusen.
They also signed personal terms with Josko Gvardiol in the summer but were unable to strike an agreement with RB Leipzig over a transfer cost for the 20-year-old.
Badiashile is a product of Monaco’s youth and has so far made 135 appearances for their senior team.
The 21-year-old was also awarded his senior debut for France back in September, but did not make their World Cup roster.