NAPOLI are in talks with Chelsea over a deal for defender Benoit Badiashile.
Blues boss Xabi Alonso wants to cut five centre-backs from his squad this summer.
Napoli are in talks with Chelsea over a deal for defender Benoit Badiashile Credit: Getty
Xabi Alonso said he wants up to five central defenders cut before the transfer window shuts Credit: Getty
Trevoh Chalobah has already joined Italian side Como as part of the clearout.
Chelsea are holding out for £25million for Badiashile, who joined from Monaco for £35m in 2023.
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Napoli, now managed by Max Allegri, are hoping to agree a lower fee.
Badiashile, 25, still has three years remaining on the bumper seven-and-a-half-year contract he signed after arriving at Stamford Bridge.
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But the France international has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot during his stint in West London.
Injuries have also disrupted his Chelsea career and he has found himself competing in an increasingly crowded defensive department.
Tosin Adarabioyo could also depart this summer and Portuguese club Benfica are exploring a move.
Chelsea’s defensive numbers swelled further after Maxence Lacroix completed a £52m switch from Crystal Palace.
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Alonso then confirmed he wanted up to five central defenders cut from his squad before the transfer window shuts.
Axel Disasi is another expected departure, with the Blues putting a £25m valuation on the former Monaco man.
The 28-year-old has attracted interest from clubs in Italy as well as Prem rivals West Ham.
Allegri is reshaping his squad after taking charge of Napoli this summer and has made strengthening at centre-back one of his priorities.
