Report: Badiashile back on Napoli radar if Chelsea accept loan
Quick summary
Napoli are reportedly interested in taking Chelsea defender Benoît Badiashile on loan, with the Italian club exploring a potential move for the French centre-back.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceNapoli might be back in the running for Benoit Badiashile, as Chelsea are increasingly open to letting the defender leave on loan.
The 25-year-old was a big investment when the Blues paid €38m to buy him from AS Monaco in January 2023.
He really struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge, last season making just 16 competitive appearances, falling off the radar completely in the final six months of the campaign.
Badiashile can only join Napoli on loan 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) Napoli had already made an approach to ask about Badiashile, but warned they would only be prepared to make a move if it was on loan.
Chelsea had been hesitant, although now Sun Sport argue that could be discussed, especially if Maxence Lacroix arrives from Crystal Palace, with Axel Disasi going the other way.
Badiashile is under contract until June 2030, so giving him regular playing time at a club in the Champions League could be a boon.
Napoli are in need of a new defender after Alessandro Buongiorno was ruled out for two to three months by meniscus surgery on his knee.
Sam Beukema is also not fully fit, leaving the Partenopei short-staffed at the back for new coach Max Allegri.
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What happened
Napoli have reportedly reignited their interest in Chelsea centre-back Benoît Badiashile, with the Italian club open to a loan deal. The 24-year-old French defender has struggled for regular minutes at Stamford Bridge and could seek a move to gain first-team football. Napoli are looking to strengthen their defensive options, and a loan agreement would depend on Chelsea's willingness to sanction a temporary exit. No official negotiations have been confirmed, with the report framing the move as still at an exploratory stage.
Chance analysis
Badiashile's potential loan to Napoli would be a low-risk, short-term move for both clubs: Chelsea would temporarily free up a squad spot and salary, while Napoli would gain defensive depth without a permanent commitment. For Badiashile, regular playing time in Serie A could revive his development curve after a stalled spell at Chelsea. From a prediction standpoint, this remains speculative and unlikely to materially affect either team's upcoming fixtures unless the deal is concluded before the window closes.
If completed, Napoli gain a loan centre-back option; Chelsea lose a squad defender temporarily, with minimal immediate competitive impact for either side.
Monitor this loan development as a possible minor defensive reinforcement for Napoli but treat as low-impact until officially confirmed.