Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile is the subject of interest from Juventus ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports.
The 23-year-old’s future at Stamford Bridge remains unclear despite the Frenchman insisting he is happy in west London following his £35m move from AS Monaco in January on seven-year deal.
Badiashile has made eight appearances for Chelsea in all competition this season under new head coach Enzo Maresca. However, his only appearance in the Premier League came during the defeat to Liverpool in a 37 minute cameo.
The central defender insists he remains happy at Chelsea, recently admitting: “Of course, I want to stay. Chelsea is a big club. I know it’s difficult to succeed here. But I will do my best.”
Maresca, who has been brutally honest with his squad over their futures, has earned the praise from Badiashile. He added: “He didn’t explain to me (why I don’t play in Premier League). But I know how it’s hard to play in this club. We have a lot of good players. The only thing I can do is work hard and convince the gaffer to play me on the weekend.
“He’s a great person and coach. We are in the same reason for football. I really enjoy the time with the gaffer.”
Badiashile has only featured for Chelsea 30 times in all competitions since his arrival from France around 18 months months ago, and he is not likely to break into Maresca’s Premier League thinking anytime soon, with Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana the preferred centre-back partnership.
The January transfer window is only just over a month away and interest is surfacing for the centre-back.
As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have identified Badiashile as a potential target in January to reinforce their defensive back-line.
Badiashile signed a seven-year contract at Chelsea and is currently valued at £25m by Transfermarkt, so the Blues will likely only allow the defender to leave if they recieve in and around what they paid Monaco for the Frenchman.
Chelsea signed Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham on a free transfer in the summer, whilst also having Axel Disasi amongst their defensive ranks, so it would be of no surprise if offers were listened to for Badiashile.
