Chelsea Have Decided On A Transfer Move Regarding A Defender Linked With AC Milan.
Reportedly, Chelsea have no plans to let go of defender Benoit Badiashile in the upcoming summer transfer window. Since his move to England midway through the 2022-23 season, the former Monaco player has faced challenges adjusting. He signed a seven-and-a-half-year deal with Chelsea but has struggled with injuries, limiting his appearances to 24 across all competitions. Badiashile has scored twice and provided one assist during his time with the West London club.
His playing time has been affected by hamstring, muscular, and groin issues, resulting in just 13 appearances for Chelsea this season, with seven starts in the Premier League. Despite his difficulties, Badiashile recently started alongside former Monaco teammate Axel Disasi in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Burnley, although the outcome was disappointing for the team.
Chelsea and Badiashile have reached an understanding regarding their future together. Despite being considered for a loan return to Ligue 1 with Lyon during the January transfer window due to his limited game time, no such move materialized.
As the summer transfer window approaches, AC Milan, a prominent Serie A club, is believed to be keeping tabs on the situation and may make a move for the center-back if his playing opportunities under Pochettino fail to improve.
However, according to reports from football.london, Chelsea has no intentions of allowing Badiashile to depart ahead of the 2024-25 season, and the French player is also uninterested in leaving the Premier League club at this time.
Although Milan has reportedly been monitoring the France Under-21 international for some time, both Chelsea and Badiashile are keen to continue their partnership. Despite his injury setbacks, the defender has fond memories of his initial months at the club.
While Badiashile’s tenure at Chelsea will not conclude this summer, it’s expected that Pochettino, or whoever is in charge, will oversee a defensive reshuffle, potentially involving departures of players from both ends of the age spectrum.
Badiashile remains, but two players are anticipated to leave.
Badiashile’s quest to reclaim his place in the Chelsea starting lineup has been facilitated by Thiago Silva’s decline in status, with the 39-year-old having been an unused substitute in the Blues’ last three Premier League matches.
Silva, formerly of AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, is also set to become a free agent in the summer, and a return to Brazil has been heavily speculated for the veteran, who will reach the age of 40 in September.
The president of Fluminense, where Silva had two separate stints, has asserted that the 39-year-old will indeed depart Chelsea when his contract expires in June, although Silva has indicated that he is relaxed about his future.
In addition to the experienced South American, Trevoh Chalobah is reportedly another player facing an uncertain future due to a season marred by injuries, during which he has only managed three appearances in the Premier League.
Although the 24-year-old did start consecutive matches against Brentford and Newcastle United last month, he was absent from the draw against Burnley due to yet another fitness setback.
