I’ve reported recently that I foresee a bit of a rebuild in defence at Chelsea in the summer window.
I can see quite a few being shown the exit door, with replacements coming in. One of those I expect to see go will be Benoit Badiashile. But to be honest, I’ve been expecting him to go in the last few windows and I’m shocked he’s lasted at the club this long. He’s just not good enough and has consistently proved that for me.
And now, according to a report from Caught Offside this weekend, Badiashile is now rated as “very likely” to be out of the Blues’ project as transfer suitors emerge ahead of the summer.
The report is written by my reliable colleague Mark Brus, so you know it will certainly more than have substance to it.
Interest is named as coming in from AC Milan, Juventus, and Marseille ahead of the summer window, as he’s set to be made available for around €35m this summer.
Chelsea apparently consider Badiashile out of their project and will ideally look to sell him permanently rather than loaning him out.
‘Badiashile is very likely out of the Chelsea project now’, one source in the industry told Mark over the weekend. “There has been some interest from AC Milan, albeit nothing that concrete yet, but we can expect to see them and others step up their efforts in the months ahead.
“While I wouldn’t say Chelsea are forcing Badiashile out, they are very much open to offers and would prefer a permanent sale to a loan. His asking price will be in the region of €35m.”
As I say, I’d expect to see him go in the summer. I think it’s best for all parties if he departs, and Chelsea should find a suitor for a permanent deal and make money on the sale.
Simon Phillips