Chelsea ‘agree personal terms with Benoit Badiashile as Monaco demand £53m transfer fee for centre-back’

CHELSEA have agreed personal terms with Monaco star Benoit Badiashile, according to reports.

The centre-back has impressed for the Ligue Un side and could join the Blues in January.

But Chelsea are yet to agree a transfer fee with Monaco, who are reportedly holding out for £53million.

That’s according to Get French Football News, who claim Chelsea had hoped to secure a deal worth £35m.

The report also claims Badiashile has agreed terms with the West London outfit.

The 21-year-old has 18 months remaining on his contract but Monaco will remain stubborn over their asking price because they are in no rush to sell – having sold Aurelien Tchouameni to Real Madrid for £85m.

Graham Potter is said to be keen on the France international but Blues have other transfer targets in mind should they fail to secure a move.

World Cup star Josko Gvardiol, 20, is believed to be of interest but his rising value and reputation has left Chelsea considering more immediate options.

Ecuadorian Piero Hincapie, also 20, of Bayern Leverkusen and Evan Ndicka of Eintracht Frankfurt have also reportedly been looked at by the Premier League side.

Chelsea have already completed one signing for January – Molde striker David Datro Fofana.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

The 20-year-old arrives in a £10.5m deal following the injury to Armando Broja.

They also appear very close to landing Brazil wonderkid Andrey Santos from Vasco.