Chelsea in £31m transfer talks for Monaco star Benoit Badiashile while Graham Potter eyes left-back centre-back

CHELSEA have reportedly started talks for Monaco rising star Benoit Badiashile.

The centre-back is the latest target for the club, who are looking for young defenders to strengthen their defence.

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The 21-year-old has emerged as a priority for Chelsea and will cost around £31m, according to Athletic.

He is 6ft 4in and has impressed with his performances in Ligue 1 this season.

Badiashile is known for being quick, brilliant in one-on-one situations and good on the ball.

It’s believed the Blues will be chasing the young Frenchman and will try to land him in the January window with Graham Potter interested in a left-back centre-back.

But the club have pursued other targets, including World Cup star Josko Gvardiol.

The 20-year-old has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge but his rising value and reputation have prompted Chelsea to consider more immediate options.

But the Athletic say he could still be a target in the summer.

Also linked to the club are Ecuadorian Piero Hincapie, also 20, from Bayern Leverkusen and Evan Ndicka, whose contract with Eintracht Frankfurt expires at the end of the season.

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Chelsea are looking for another long-term defensive option to sit alongside Wesley Fofana, who joined in the summer but has been plagued by injury woes.

Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly, who have been regular starters this season, are both in their 30s.

Although the window hasn’t opened yet, the London side has already been quite busy.

Chelsea announced the signing of Molde forward David Datro Fofana earlier this week.

They also seem very close to Vasco’s Brazilian prodigy Andrey Santos.