Chelsea have completed the signing of Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile on a long-term contract.
The centre-back has signed a seven-and-a-half year contract with the west Londoners after the club agreed a fee of around €38m with Monaco.
Badiashile came through the academy system at Monaco and made 135 appearances for the club after making his senior debut as a teenager. The defender earned his first caps for France during September’s international break, but missed out on a place in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad.
He becomes Chelsea’s second signing of the January transfer window, following the arrival of David Datro Fofana from Molde.
“I’m very happy to be here at Chelsea,” Badiashile told the club’s official website.
“I’m so excited to start playing for this club. I can’t wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world.”
Badiashile will add to Chelsea’s centre-back options under Graham Potter and has experience as part of a back three and back four. He becomes the latest youngster to sign for the club as the Blues concentrate on emerging talent.
Chelsea are also continuing to pursue a deal for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, for a fee which could represent a club-record deal.
