CHELSEA have confirmed the signing of Monaco star Benoit Badiashile.
The centre-back joins the club for a fee of £35million.
He arrives at the Blues signing a seven-and-a-half year contract, which will keep him in West London until the next decade.
Badiashile said to Chelsea’s official site: “I’m very happy to be here at Chelsea.
“I’m so excited to start playing for this club. I can’t wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world.”
Chairman Todd Boehly and controlling co-owner Behdad Eghbali said: “We’re delighted to welcome Benoit to Chelsea.
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“He’s an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a huge amount of experience for his young age.
“We are sure he will form an important part of our team in the years ahead.”
Manager Graham Potter was keen to bolster his defensive line as big money summer signing Wesley Fofana has had his minutes restricted by injury.
Additionally, Thiago Silva, 38, is ageing and Kalidou Koulibaly has struggled to find top form consistently.
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Badiashile is 21-years-old and came through the youth ranks at Monaco.
He has gone on to be capped by France’s national team twice and he is regularly the skipper for his nation’s Under-21 side.
This season he has impressed for Monaco, helping guide the team into the knockout rounds of the Europa League and in Ligue 1, Philippe Clement’s men sit fifth.
Badiashile has played 16 games for the club during this campaign, netting two goals.
The defender becomes Chelsea’s second purchase of the January transfer window, the first being striker David Datro Fofana from Molde for £10.6million.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
