Chelsea look to be on the verge of completing their third proposed January transfer with a deal involving AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile nearing its "final stages". Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana both look set to complete January switches to Stamford Bridge, with Badiashile as the third transfer deal close to completion.
The January transfer window is yet to open but Todd Boehly and the Blues' new-look recruitment team are already getting to work on finding plenty of options for Graham Potter. Following the injury to Armando Broja, Chelsea moved swiftly to agree a deal for Molde striker Fofana before Vasca de Gama midfielder Santos chose west London as his next destination, posting a Chelsea-themed Christmas celebration on social media.
Chelsea's defensive problems have also seen interest emerge in a number of centre-backs, particularly those who can play on the left of the back three. That position has mostly been filled by Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella, who both arrived in the summer, but neither have been able to nail down that role in the Blues' defence.
READ MORE: Chelsea told how to beat Liverpool to Jude Bellingham transfer in Premier League warning
Ahead of the winter window opening, a shortlist emerged of defensive targets which included Piero Hincapie and Evan Ndicka, with Monaco's Badiashile as the main target. RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol is likely to remain as Chelsea's long-term priority, but a deal would be complicated to complete in January for the 20-year-old.
Boehly and Potter now appear to be closing on a deal for a Gvardiol alternative, with the move for Badiashile nearing completion. A final fee is still being discussed but is thought to be around €35million-€40million (£30.7million-£35.1million) with Chelsea hoping to get it done soon.
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that those negotiations are reaching their final stages with an "expectation" the deal will be completed "soon" with the 21-year-old "keen on the move".
READ NEXT:
Predicted Chelsea team vs Bournemouth: Edouard Mendy decision taken, Reece James makes return
Graham Potter opens up on Raheem Sterling situation after burglary at Chelsea star's house
Gvardiol joins, Badiashile starts, Colwill returns: Potter's dream Chelsea defence after January
Chelsea can sign £56m Jude Bellingham alternative as Jurgen Klopp makes transfer admission
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
