Chelsea have reportedly scouted 18-year-old Benoit Badiashile, who currently plays for AS Monaco in Ligue 1. The highly-rated central defender has been a target for several clubs in Europe.
As per Le 10 Sport, the Blues could make a move for the teenager next summer, when their transfer ban is lifted.
Badiashile was previously linked with a move to Manchester United earlier this year. The Frenchman could be a target for the London club in January if they get their transfer ban overturned.
The youngster made his AS Monaco debut last year, and went on to play 26 times for Monaco in the 2018-19 season. He has been an important player for the side this season as well, starting six of the eight Ligue 1 games of the 2019-20 season.
Badiashile has represented France in the U16, U17, U18 and U19 levels, and has been touted to play for the senior team in the near future.
The teenager’s contract with Monaco expires in 2021, having signed a deal with the club last season.
A good move by Chelsea to sign Badiashile?
Chelsea need to strengthen in several areas of the pitch if they are to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title, but one area that needs immediate attention is central defence.
The Blues have Antonio Rüdiger, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, and Fikayo Tomori as the options at the back for this season. Rüdiger is perhaps Chelsea’s best central defender, but the likes of Christensen and Zouma have not been consistent and have made mistakes.
Tomori has had a good season so far, with manager Frank Lampard trusting the young centre back and giving him a lot of game time.
The signing of Badiashile could be one for the future, and as a backup option who could step in to fill the shoes of the first-choice options.
The 18-year-old is a good passer of the ball, and can create attacks from the back and has averaged 53.2 passes in Ligue 1 this season. The teenager is a good defender too, averaging 3.3 clearances and 1.5 interceptions per game this season.
Badiashile is especially good in the air, thanks to his 6’4″ frame, winning 2.5 aerial balls on average per game.
In the long run, Badiashile could make a good pairing with Tomori at the back, with the right-footed and left-footed combination, as well as the combination of passing by Badiashile and Tomori’s pressing and tackling.
