Napoli close in on Benoît Badiashile as Chelsea talks reach final stage

Napoli are moving closer to a deal for Chelsea defender Benoît Badiashile, with fresh talks expected to focus on completing the remaining formalities and arranging the Frenchman’s medical.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday morning that the two clubs are preparing another call as they work towards closing the transfer, with an agreement already in place in principle. Badiashile would move to Naples on an initial loan with an option for the Serie A club to make the deal permanent.

The negotiations have not been entirely straightforward. Gianluca Di Marzio reported on Saturday that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis still needed to approve an additional bonus requested by Chelsea, leaving the move temporarily stalled despite progress between the clubs. An earlier Di Marzio report had also indicated that the two sides were still working on the financial structure and payment terms.

Reports on the precise value of the package have differed during the negotiations. Romano’s reported agreement has been described as including a €3 million loan fee, €1 million in add-ons and a €27 million purchase option, while earlier reporting from Di Marzio carried different figures for the potential permanent transfer. With neither club having published the financial terms, the overall value should therefore remain treated as reported rather than confirmed.

The latest development suggests the remaining issues are now closer to resolution. Plans for a medical would represent the next significant procedural step, although Badiashile remains a Chelsea player and Napoli have not yet announced his arrival.

Chelsea have been working to reduce the number of senior centre-backs in their squad this summer, while Badiashile made 16 appearances in all competitions for the London club during the 2025/26 campaign. The 25-year-old joined Chelsea from Monaco in January 2023.

For Napoli, completing the move would add another left-footed central-defensive option before the new Serie A season. Until the medical and final documentation are completed, however, the transfer remains at the advanced-agreement stage rather than an official signing.