Napoli have identified Chelsea defender Benoît Badiashile as their top defensive target for the new season.
Napoli have stepped up their pursuit of Chelsea defender Benoît Badiashile as they look to solve a growing defensive crisis ahead of the new Serie A season.
With injuries disrupting Massimiliano Allegri’s plans, the Italian champions have identified the French centre-back as their priority target, while Chelsea remain open to reducing their sizeable squad under new manager Xabi Alonso.
The Blues are currently on their pre-season tour of Australia, which has temporarily slowed negotiations, but talks are expected to gather pace once the team returns to England. The biggest hurdle now is agreeing on the structure of the transfer rather than convincing the player.
🚨🔵🇫🇷 #SerieA |
🔐 Chelsea et Naples se rapprochent d’un accord pour Benoît Badiashile.
💰 Les discussions portent sur un prêt avec OA.
✅ Le défenseur français est favorable à un départ en Italie
❗️Nouvelles discussions prévues dans la semaine afin de tenter de trouver un… pic.twitter.com/WRAgHliteK
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) August 2, 2026
Why Napoli want Badiashile
Napoli’s interest has intensified following injuries to key defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Sam Beukema. Buongiorno is currently sidelined with a knee injury, while Beukema has also been struggling with fitness issues, leaving Allegri short of reliable options at the heart of his defence.
Badiashile is viewed as the ideal solution. His left-footed profile, aerial dominance and ability to play out from the back make him a natural replacement for Buongiorno.
Sporting director Giovanni Manna has reportedly been working on the deal since Napoli’s pre-season training camp in Dimaro, believing the Frenchman possesses the qualities needed to strengthen the club’s backline for both Serie A and Champions League football.
Chelsea and Napoli remain apart on deal structure
While Napoli have made Badiashile their preferred target, the two clubs still need to find common ground over the transfer terms.
The Serie A side would prefer a loan deal with an option to buy, partly due to the defender’s recent injury history. Chelsea, however, are keen on a permanent transfer after investing around £35 million to sign him from Monaco in 2023. The Blues are eager to generate funds while trimming a squad that has become overloaded in several positions.
Despite making just 16 appearances last season, Badiashile is reportedly interested in the move. The opportunity to play regularly, compete in the Champions League and relaunch his career in Italy is believed to be an attractive proposition after an inconsistent spell at Stamford Bridge.
