Napoli are in negotiations with Chelsea over centre-back Benoît Badiashile, but the clubs remain far from an agreement. Chelsea are asking for €30m, while Napoli want a loan with an option to buy rather than an obligation.
Footmercato, Sport Mediaset, Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sport Italia are among the outlets reporting talks between the clubs. The negotiations are ongoing, but the proposed deal structures remain significantly apart.
Chelsea’s position
Chelsea’s €30m valuation comes despite Badiashile making only 16 appearances in all competitions last season. The 25-year-old France international is not part of Xabi Alonso’s plans going forward, according to the reporting.
Chelsea paid €38m to sign Badiashile from AS Monaco in January 2023. His time at the club has been affected by a series of muscular injuries, and Chelsea do not appear ready to accept Napoli’s preferred terms of a loan with a purchase option at the end of the season.
The difference between an option and an obligation to buy is central to the discussions. Napoli would be prepared to move for Badiashile on a loan with an option, but Chelsea have not accepted those conditions.
Napoli’s transfer limits
Napoli are operating under transfer limitations this summer and cannot sign new players without first making sales. That restriction provides important context for the club’s preference for a loan arrangement.
Badiashile has been identified as a possible defensive addition, but his injury record is also a consideration. Napoli had similar injury problems last season, making the potential fit a point for the club to weigh as negotiations continue.
Other interest and next steps
Real Sociedad have also approached Badiashile. Napoli, however, remain in talks with Chelsea, with the principal issue being whether a structure can be found that works for both clubs.
For now, Chelsea’s €30m asking price and refusal to accept a loan with an option to buy leave an agreement difficult. Talks are expected to continue, but Napoli’s ability to complete a deal remains tied to the terms Chelsea are willing to accept and the club’s need to make sales before adding new players.
