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      Three ways Chelsea could line up with Badiashile with Potter able to switch formations.. but which defender misses out?

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      CHELSEA have once again strengthened their defence with the signing of Benoit Badiashile from Monaco. The Blues announced the £35million deal just six months after paying £34m for Kalidou Koulibaly and £70m for Wesley Fofana.

      Badiashile’s arrival will raise question marks on the future of Chelsea’s pair of summer signings.
      Brazilian veteran Thiago Silva, even at 38, remains a fixture in Graham Potter’s side and seems the least likely to drop out.
      It could see left-sided centre-back Badiashile, 21, partner Silva if Chelsea were to play a back four.
      But looking further into the future, with Potter keen to build a young side, Fofana, 22, may be the man to play alongside the Frenchman.
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      It would leave Koulibaly’s future in doubt amid speculation he is already looking for a transfer exit.
      But what could be his saving grace is if Potter reverts to a back five and three-man central defence.
      That would pave the way for Koulibaly to play besides Silva and Badiashile.
      Or Silva could be the one to make way, allowing for a younger trio of centre-halves.
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      It also depends on who is fit, with Chelsea’s star midfielder N’Golo Kante facing fitness issues and Mateo Kovacic only just returning from the World Cup.
      Furthermore, the Blues also await the possible arrivals of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, 21, and Mykhailo Mudryk, 22.
      Benfica are still holding out on Chelsea matching Fernandez’s £106m release clause and seem unwilling to negotiate.
      Meanwhile, Arsenal were frontrunners to sign winger Mudryk until the Blues came knocking, ready to pay Shakhtar Donetsk’s £80m asking price.
      A new midfielder and forward could determine what shape Chelsea play and how much space there will be at the back following Badiashile’s arrival. More

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      Chelsea fans all say same thing after Blues complete £35m transfer of Benoit Badiashile from Monaco

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      CHELSEA fans have all been saying the same thing after the club announced the arrival of defender Benoit Badiashile.The Frenchman joined the Blues on a seven-and-a-half-year contract in a £35 million deal from Ligue 1 side Monaco.
      Chelsea announced the signing of Benoit Badiashile from MonacoCredit: Getty
      Some were pleased that the Chelsea defence would benefit from having another option for manager Graham Potter to pick from.
      However, others were annoyed by the transfer, with many wishing the club had signed RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.
      One tweeted: “Chelsea every transfer window … we’re gonna sign world-class players! Gvardiol, Rice, Enzo Fernandez, Nkunku.
      “Reality … Badiashile, probably some other Brighton player and Nkunku potentially in the summer
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      Another wrote: “We went from Abramovich to Boehly, Tuchel to Potter, Gvardiol to Badiashile, Enzo Fernandez to Mac Allister. But I’m supposed to trust the process.”
      A third said: “Could have just waited for Gvardiol in the summer since we aren’t spending on Enzo anyway. Why do we even need Badiashile now?
      “We won’t get top four and we (probably) won’t get relegated. Just stick to what we have instead of wasting money on mediocre players.”
      A fourth added: “Going from Gvardiol to Badiashile FFS. Life under bottle job Boehly.”
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      The Croatian defender had been linked with a move to the West London side after impressing at the World Cup in Qatar.
      But a move for him now seems unlikely following the arrival of Badiashile.
      Gvardiol is also wanted by Manchester City and Real Madrid, with the La Liga side reportedly plotting a £78m bid for him. More

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      Benfica boss Schmidt slams ‘disrespectful’ Chelsea for ‘driving Enzo Fernandez crazy’ with transfer pursuit

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      CHELSEA have been accused of turning Enzo Fernandez’s head with a “disrespectful” bid.The Blues are hot on the heels of the Benfica midfielder following his heroics in Argentina’s successful World Cup campaign last year.
      The Blues’ pursuit of Fernandez has angered Benfica boss Roger Schmidt
      Chelsea are hot on the heels of World Cup winner Enzo FernandezCredit: Getty
      The Blues met Fernandez’s release clause but saw their bid rejected by Benfica
      Chelsea were negotiating over Fernandez’s whopping £105million buyout clause but saw their offer of cash plus players rejected by the Portuguese giants – who want the cash up front.
      Fernandez is said to have informed Benfica that he wishes to leave the Stadio da Luz, much to the annoyance of manager Roger Schmidt.
      The 55-year-old: “We don’t want to sell Enzo.
      “There is a club who wants our player.
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      “They know we don’t want to sell the player [and] they tried to get the player on their side and they know that they can only get this player when they pay the [release] clause.
      “So it’s a very clear situation for what the club is doing who want to buy Enzo.
      “It’s disrespectful against all of us, against Benfica. And I cannot accept what they are doing.
      “So to make the player crazy and then to pretend that they can pay the clause and later they want to negotiate is, I think, not what I understand about what a good relationship between clubs who maybe want to discuss about a player.
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      “That’s what I can say about the whole topic with Enzo and I will not answer further questions.”
      Chelsea’s opening gambit for Fernadez was rejected by Benfica over their insistence they pay his buyout clause in instalments.
      Chelsea were attempting to navigate the sizable fee by putting players forward as part of the deal.
      According to Record, they submitted a cash amount of £75m.
      That was then propped up by the addition of Ziyech, 29, who shone with Morocco at the World Cup but has been out of favour in west London for some time.
      It’s unknown if the west Londoners will meet the Portuguese giants’ demands.
      And then the Blues were also willing to hand Benfica two players on loan.
      One of those was 20-year-old midfielder David Datro Fofana – who only joined Chelsea in the January window.
      And the other was Brazilian Audrey Santos, 18, who is yet to complete a move from Vasco da Gama.
      However, Benfica president Rui Costa is believed to have shown “a lot of displeasure” at the offer as they understood Chelsea were willing to hand over £112m across three payments.
      Blues boss Graham Potter is keen to bring in reinforcements this month and has already completed the signing of French defender Benoit Badiashile.
      The former Brighton boss is keen to bring in more new faces, although he admits doing so will be easier said than done.
      He said: “I would say the January window isn’t so straightforward to find solutions.
      Blues boss Graham Potter is eager to bring in reinforcements this monthCredit: Rex
      “From my perspective, the autumn fixture list was an extreme period.
      “And I would not want to make too many drastic assessments [on players] based on that extreme period.
      “The team, as I see it, hasn’t functioned as maximally as I would have liked – and I think that it can do.
      “I would say the job of the head coach is to focus on the players that are here and make them better.
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      “There’s room for improvement there for sure.”
      Chelsea will be back in action this evening, welcoming title-chasing Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. More

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      Chelsea complete £35m Benoit Badiashile transfer from Monaco on huge contract that will see him stay until next DECADE

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      CHELSEA have confirmed the signing of Monaco star Benoit Badiashile. The centre-back joins the club for a fee of £35million.
      Benoit Badiashile has completed his switch from from Monaco to Chelsea
      Chelsea have paid £35million for his services
      Badiashile is commanding presence at the heart of the defence
      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. More

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      Joao Felix mysteriously left out of Atletico Madrid squad against Real Oviedo amid Man Utd and Chelsea transfer links

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      JOAO FELIX was left out of Atletico Madrid’s victory over Real Oviedo fuelling the fire around a potential move away from the Spanish capital.Atletico overcame their opposition 2-0 in the Copa del Rey without the influence of the Portuguese playmaker who wasn’t in the squad at all.
      Joao Felix has made 130 appearances for Atletico Madrid since signing for the side in 2019
      The reason for his absence is a mystery with some reports suggesting he was injured and others saying that Atletico are trying to avoid him getting injured to ensure a move away for the star.
      Felix has been linked to a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea.
      Despite being Atletico’s record signing the 23-year-old has fallen out of favour with manager Diego Simeone since making the £113million move from Benfica.
      It is reported the club are willing to let him leave on loan, but that they expect an eye-watering £10.5m loan fee to convince them to part with his talents.
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      Atletico CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, conceded that the club are considering letting Felix leave because of his fractured relationship with the manager.
      He said: “For reasons it isn’t worth getting into – the relationship between him and the boss [Simeone], the minutes played, his motivation right now.
      “It makes you think if there’s a reasonable option that’s good for the player, good for the club, we can look at it. I’d love for Joao to continue, but this is the current situation.”
      Man United are said to be in negotiation with the Spanish club, but are way off their valuation for Felix.
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      The Red Devils are now without Cristiano Ronaldo and in need of a replacement after missing out on Cody Gakpo to Liverpool.
      Chelsea are also keen to lure him to Stamford Bridge with the Blues failing to recruit the right forward after multiple failed attempts.
      Arsenal are also reportedly interested in Felix as they search for a replacement for the injured Gabriel Jesus.
      The Portugal star played a big part in his nation’s run during the World Cup and has managed four goals and three assists in 13 league appearances for Atletico this season. More

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      Arsenal ‘ready to launch huge bid for £88m-rated Declan Rice’ as they look to beat Chelsea and Man Utd to West Ham star

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      ARSENAL are ready to launch a shock bid for Declan Rice, according to reports.The Gunners sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they chase their first league title in 19 years.
      Declan Rice is a transfer target for Arsenal in the summerCredit: AFP
      But Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad in January with Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk.
      However, Spanish outlet Fichajes report the Emirates boss wants his board to sanction a big-money move for Rice in the summer.
      West Ham captain Rice, 23, is rated at around £88million and his club have previously refused to let him leave despite plenty of interest.
      But he has rejected a new contract and alerted potential suitors at the World Cup when he publicly expressed his desire to be at a club competing for trophies and in the Champions League.
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      And Arsenal could offer that with Arteta spearheading the exciting revival in North London.
      Manchester United and Chelsea are also long-term admirers of Rice.
      But with both teams, especially the Blues, off the pace set by Arsenal in the Premier League, their top-four ambitions are far from guaranteed.
      So that could help Arsenal win the race for the former Chelsea academy player’s signature, who is said to be keen to stay in the capital.
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      An extra holding midfielder is a key priority for Arsenal – with Albert Sambi Lokonga well short of the quality Thomas Partey boasts as the single pivot in the 4-3-3 formation.
      Therefore the addition of Rice – one of the best defensive midfielders in the country – would be a major boost.
      The 39-cap England star has made 218 West Ham appearances after graduating from the academy.
      But he has struggled to find his best form for the Hammers this season with David Moyes’ side only out of the relegation zone by one goal.

      Rice hit back at criticism that he had one eye on a transfer away by stating he would never “give up”.
      The midfielder said: “Keep reading little comments like these that are, 1. Funny & 2. Complete nonsense.
      “I would never ever give up, for the fans or for the club.
      “Of course things on a football pitch get tough! But especially as captain and wearing this shirt, I know exactly what it means to play for West Ham.”
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      Moyes also defended his skipper and added last week: “People can have their opinions, but Declan played fantastically well in midweek and he has done for nearly all the time I’ve been here.
      “He’s tried to drive us on and he did everything he could in midweek. I don’t see it.” More

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      Chelsea ‘fail in Enzo Fernandez transfer bid after offering Benfica £79m, Hakim Ziyech and two players on loan’

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      CHELSEA have reportedly seen an offer for Enzo Fernandez of £79million, Hakim Ziyech AND two players on loan rejected by Benfica.The 21-year-old Argentine is being heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the January window.
      Enzo Fernandez’s stock has risen considerably since the World CupCredit: Getty
      Record are reporting Chelsea have offered cash and players for FernandezCredit: Record
      But his current club Benfica will not let him go for a cut price, particularly considering his release clause stands at £106m.
      Chelsea were attempting to navigate the sizable fee by putting players forward as part of the deal.
      According to Record, they submitted a cash amount of £75m.
      That was then propped up by the addition of Ziyech, 29, who shone with Morocco at the World Cup but has been out of favour in west London for some time.
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      And then the Blues were also willing to hand Benfica two players on loan.
      One of those was 20-year-old midfielder David Datro Fofana – who only joined Chelsea in the January window.
      And the other was Brazilian Audrey Santos, 18, who is yet to complete a move from Vasco da Gama.
      However, Benfica president Rui Costa is believed to have shown “a lot of displeasure” at the offer as they understood Chelsea were willing to hand over £112m across three payments.
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      Fernandez only joined Benfica in the summer and has a contract with the Portuguese giants until 2027.
      He was brilliant for Argentina in Qatar, starting their final group game and all subsequent knockout stage matches on their way to World Cup glory.
      As a result of his superb performances, the talented South American was named the Young Player of the Tournament.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen to arrest their slump as they currently sit 10th in the Premier League table.
      New owner Todd Boehly spent more than £250m in the summer but it does not seem to have paid off.
      And now they are looking at a host of deals in the January window including Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile.
      Datro David Fofana has joined Chelsea from FK Molde but could be loaned outCredit: Getty
      Hakim Ziyech looks to be on his way out of ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez transfer bid ‘REJECTED as Benfica demand £106m release clause up front’

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      BENFICA have reportedly REJECTED Chelsea’s first transfer offer to buy Enzo Fernandez. Fernandez, 21, is wanted by the Blues to help provide a long-term solution to their midfield issues.
      Enzo Fernandez in action for BenficaCredit: EPA
      However, he has a massive £106million release clause at Benfica.
      And the Portuguese are demanding that fee up front in order to sanction a January sale.
      And now Ben Jacobs has reported that Benfica have outright rejected Chelsea’s first bid.
      This offer in question, believed to be £112m in structured instalments, was set to smash the Premier League transfer record and was over the value of the release clause.
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      But Benfica are understandably reluctant to sell following his World Cup winning exploits with Argentina.
      In order to make a deal happen, they want Fernandez’s release clause paid in full with as much money up front as possible.
      Fernandez appears to be gearing up for the move as well.
      He flew home against the advice of boss Roger Schmidt for New Year, landing himself in hot water for doing so.
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      And he has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea ahead of the move.
      Should a deal for him be completed alongside Ukrainian Mykhailo Mudryk, it could mean Todd Boehly would have spent £520m on new players in just seven months. More