Badiashile green light gives Chelsea clear path to Napoli exit

Napoli are pushing to sign Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile and talks over a summer move are gathering pace, according to reports in Italy. Badiashile made just 16 appearances across all competitions last season and was not included in Chelsea's final eight Premier League matchday squads. The 25-year-old is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the window closes, with Chelsea wanting to turn his exit into a permanent sale after bringing in compatriot Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. Transfer reporter Nicolo Schira said on X: "Talks in progress for Benoit Badiashile to Napoli from Chelsea on loan with the option to buy for a total package of €20-23M. The centre-back has given his availability to join Napoli." Badiashile has now given the green light to the move, and formal negotiations are likely to intensify over the next few weeks. He was left out of Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australia along with Axel Disasi, while new head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed he wants at least four centre-backs to leave before the September 1 deadline. Chelsea currently have 10 senior central defenders, an unwieldy number even with a maximum of 51 matches ahead. Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and Lacroix are expected to stay, while Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino are likely to be loaned out. That leaves Trevoh Chalobah, Disasi and Badiashile as the obvious candidates for permanent exits, whether through immediate sales or loans with buy options or obligations. Trevoh Chalobah, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu are also set to leave as Chelsea prepare a major squad overhaul after failing to qualify for European football. Moving Badiashile on is an urgent priority, not just a tidy piece of squad management.