Gutierrez close to Bayer Leverkusen; Napoli could ask Chelsea for Badiashile
Quick summary
Gutierrez is reportedly close to joining Bayer Leverkusen, while Napoli are considering a move for Chelsea defender Badiashile.
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Attributed to original sourceNapoli are in advanced talks to sell Miguel Gutierrez to Bayer Leverkusen for €25m plus add-ons, which should free up funds to pursue Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile.
The Partenopei are under transfer limitations this summer, meaning they must sell before any new players can be brought in.
Gutierrez sale can fund Napoli signings NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Miguel Gutierrez of SSC Napoli celebrates with his head coach Antonio Conte and Juan Jesus after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 31, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) German newspaper Bild reported yesterday that there were talks in progress for Bayer Leverkusen to buy Gutierrez, and now multiple Italian sources confirm they are moving rapidly.
The asking price was set at €30m , but it is believed a deal could be done for circa €25m plus add-ons.
The Spanish left-back is a product of the Real Madrid academy and turned 25 this week.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Miguel Gutierrez of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Lameck Banda of US Lecce during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) He had been purchased from Girona only last summer for €18m plus add-ons , so this will represent a profit.
Gutierrez struggled for playing time last season, making only 36 competitive appearances, but contributing one goal and one assist.
Once that move is complete, then Napoli can redirect those funds to fill the gap in central defence left by the departure of Juan Jesus and the injury to Alessandro Buongiorno.
Their primary target is Chelsea defender Badiashile , hoping to get an agreement for a loan with option or obligation to buy at the end of the season.
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What happened
According to reports, midfielder Gutierrez is nearing a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen from Napoli. Separately, Napoli could approach Chelsea regarding a potential loan or transfer for French centre-back Badiashile as they look to reinforce their defensive options. The moves suggest Napoli are reshaping their squad, with one outgoing deal and one incoming target identified from the Premier League.
Chance analysis
Gutierrez's departure would represent a midfield reconfiguration for Napoli, potentially freeing up budget and squad space. Pursuing Badiashile from Chelsea signals defensive reinforcement needs, likely due to depth concerns or tactical adjustments. For Bayer Leverkusen, adding Gutierrez would be a midfield acquisition as they continue to evolve post-title winning campaign. These are speculative reports, so concrete impacts remain uncertain until deals are confirmed.
If confirmed, Napoli would lose a midfielder and potentially gain a centre-back option, while Bayer Leverkusen would add midfield depth.
Monitor these transfer developments for Napoli's and Bayer Leverkusen's squad composition in upcoming matches, as both potential moves could affect midfield and defensive availability.