Chelsea have raised their asking price for Benoît Badiashile, but Napoli remain confident of landing the defender they have made their priority. The two clubs have agreed on the basis of a loan worth €3m; the sticking point is the buy option.
Chelsea had initially wanted an obligation to buy set at €15m, before shifting to an option, but in doing so raised the figure to €18-20m. Napoli are now working to keep it as low as possible, though the distance between the clubs is described as minimal. Napoli want an option rather than an obligation to buy because of Badiashile’s fitness history, meaning Chelsea could receive the player back next summer without securing a permanent sale.
The centre-back played less than 600 minutes in the Premier League last season. The journalist also made it clear the player has rejected a move to Juventus already. “Side note: a few days ago Juventus asked for information (they still haven’t managed to close on Lucumì) but found the door closed.”