Chelsea reject Napoli's approach for Badiashile
Quick summary
Chelsea have turned down a request from Napoli to take defender Benoit Badiashile on loan with an option to buy. The clubs remain in talks over other targets.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceLa Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Napoli have sounded out Chelsea’s availability to loan Benoît Badiashile, but the Blues are only going to discuss a permanent transfer.
Napoli are looking for a new centre-back after Alessandro Buongiorno sustained a knee problem that will force him out for the whole pre-season and, perhaps, even beyond, especially if the Italian defender is forced to undergo surgery.
Napoli interested in Chelsea’s Badiashile Juventus’ Federico Gatti and Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel are reportedly among Napoli’s options to replace the ex-Torino captain, but the latest Gazzetta dello Sport report claims that the Partenopei have also looked to Chelsea.
The pink paper reports that Napoli have asked for Badiashile’s loan from Chelsea, but even if the 25-year-old is not in the Blues’ plans, they are unwilling to discuss a temporary transfer, at least for now.
NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 14: New SSC Napoli head coach Massimiliano Allegri and Aurelio De Laurentiis SSC Napoli President as Massimiliano Allegri is unveiled as the new SSC Napoli head coach at Teatro di San Carlo on July 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) COBHAM, ENGLAND – JANUARY 20: Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea looks on during a Chelsea FC Training Session at Chelsea Training Ground on January 20, 2026 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images) Gazzetta adds that Napoli might make a new attempt towards the end of August if the France international has not found another club by then.
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What happened
Chelsea have rejected an approach from Napoli to sign French centre-back Benoit Badiashile, who joined Chelsea from Monaco in January 2023. The Italian club reportedly wanted a loan deal with an option to buy. Badiashile has struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge, making limited Premier League appearances. The two clubs are still engaged in negotiations over other transfer targets, with the January window approaching.
Chance analysis
Chelsea's refusal to release Badiashile, despite his peripheral role, suggests they value him as a squad option for the second half of the season or are holding out for a permanent sale rather than a loan. For Napoli, strengthening central defence was a priority, and missing out on Badiashile may force them to pursue alternative targets before the window closes. The ongoing talks between the clubs indicate further business is possible.
Badiashile stays at Chelsea for the remainder of the window, while Napoli need to pivot to other defensive options.
Chelsea retain Badiashile for now; Napoli must seek alternative defensive reinforcements ahead of the window closing.