CHELSEA have begun talks for rising Monaco star Benoit Badiashile, according to reports.
The centre-back has become the latest target for the club as they look for young defenders to beef up their back line.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a priority for Chelsea and will cost around £31million, according to the Athletic.
He is 6ft 4in and has impressed with his performances in Ligue 1 this season.
Badiashile is known for being quick, brilliant in one-on-one situations and having good ability on the ball.
It is believed the Blues are in pursuit of the young Frenchman and will look to land him in the January window with Graham Potter keen on a left-sided centre-back.
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But the club have been chasing other targets including World Cup star Josko Gvardiol.
The 20-year-old has long been linked with a Stamford Bridge move but his rising value and reputation has left Chelsea considering more immediate options.
But the Athletic say he could still be a target in the summer.
Also linked to the club is Ecuadorian Piero Hincapie, also 20, of Bayern Leverkusen and Evan Ndicka, whose contract with Eintracht Frankfurt expires at the end of the season.
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Chelsea are looking to recruit another long-term defensive option to sit alongside Wesley Fofana who joined in the summer but has been riddled with injury issues.
Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly, who have been regular starters this season, are both in their 30s.
Even though the window has not yet opened, the London side have been quite busy already.
Chelsea have already reportedly made one January signing – Molde striker David Datro Fofana.
They also seem very close to landing Brazil wonderkid Andrey Santos from Vasco.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
