Napoli have identified Chelsea centre-back Benoit Badiashile as a defensive target after Alessandro Buongiorno’s injury forced the Serie A club to reassess their plans for the summer transfer window.
The Sun reports that Massimiliano Allegri is keen to add another central defender before the start of the new season, with Badiashile emerging as one of the leading candidates. Napoli are understood to be preparing a three-year contract for the 25-year-old, who is said to be open to a move to Italy.
Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for Badiashile as Xabi Alonso reshapes his defensive options at Stamford Bridge. The France international has found himself facing increased competition for places, and the Blues are expected to sanction departures as they continue their squad rebuild.
Badiashile had previously been considered as a possible makeweight in Chelsea’s negotiations with Crystal Palace over Maxence Lacroix.
Napoli eye Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile
However, the report claims Palace have since made it clear they would prefer Axel Disasi if a player is included as part of any agreement. Discussions over Disasi’s future are ongoing, although no deal has yet been finalised.
That development has strengthened Napoli’s hopes of landing Badiashile. Allegri, who replaced Antonio Conte earlier this summer, is eager to reinforce his back line as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging at the top of Serie A.
While Badiashile is also attracting interest from unnamed Premier League clubs, the report suggests the defender is particularly interested in the prospect of continuing his career in Italy. A move to Naples would offer him the opportunity for regular first-team football after an inconsistent spell in west London.
Any transfer is still at an early stage, with no agreement between the clubs reported. Chelsea are yet to indicate their valuation of Badiashile, while Napoli’s priority remains finding the right defensive addition following Buongiorno’s setback. Whether the Italian side formalise their interest is likely to become clearer as the transfer window progresses.
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