Napoli still negotiating with Chelsea for Badiashile despite improved offer
Quick summary
Napoli have not yet reached an agreement with Chelsea for defender Benoît Badiashile, despite submitting an improved offer. The two clubs continue to negotiate the terms of a potential transfer.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceThere is still no agreement in place between Napoli and Chelsea for the transfer of centre-back Benoit Badiashile despite an increased offer from the Partenopei according to the latest reports in Italy.
Chelsea have not yet sanctioned Badiashile departure despite increased Napoli offer Napoli are desperately attempting to strengthen Massimiliano Allegri’s back line following injuries to centre-backs Alessandro Buongiorno, Sam Beukema and Luca Marianucci , none of whom are expected to be fit in time for the start of the 2026-27 season. Buongiorno is expected to be out until 2027 with a knee injury.
Over the course of the last week, Napoli have been attempting to secure a deal for Chelsea’s Badiashile, most likely on loan with either an option or obligation to buy.
According to reports on Wednesday , Napoli and Chelsea have agreed upon a loan fee of €3m for the 2026-27 season, but there is not yet an accord on the cost of the buy fee, or whether that will be an option or an obligation.
Chelsea had reportedly wanted a guaranteed obligation to buy clause set at €15m, but were also willing to accept an option to buy for a fee in the region of €18m-€20m.
COBHAM, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea warms up during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on January 27, 2026 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images) According to the latest updates from Sky Sport Italia on Thursday, Napoli have increased their offer to a €3m loan fee and a €20m option to buy, but Chelsea have still not accepted and are reportedly holding out for more bonuses clauses.
Talks are expected to continue over the coming hours.
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What happened
Napoli are pushing to sign Chelsea centre-back Benoît Badiashile but have not yet reached an agreement with the Premier League side. The Italian club submitted an improved offer, but the deal remains unresolved. Negotiations are ongoing between the two clubs as Napoli look to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new season.
Chance analysis
Badiashile has struggled for consistent playing time at Chelsea since his arrival, and a move to Napoli would provide him with a fresh start in Serie A. From a squad planning perspective, Chelsea appear willing to negotiate, which signals they do not see the French defender as central to their project. For Napoli, securing Badiashile would add depth and quality to their backline, though the delay suggests valuation gaps remain between the clubs.
If completed, Badiashile would add defensive depth to Napoli; for Chelsea, it would free up wages and squad space without significantly weakening their defence.
Monitor whether the Badiashile deal completes before Napoli's season opener; if signed, he strengthens their defensive depth but may need time to integrate.