Manchester United eyeing Chelsea target and AS Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile
Manchester United are eyeing a move for Chelsea target and AS Monaco star Benoit Badiashile, who the Blues have tabled an offer for, according to L’Equipe (h/t Express).
The Red Devils have a striker as their priority at the moment. However, the Old Trafford side are also looking to hijack the Stamford Bridge side in their pursuit of the centre-back.
Currently, Chelsea are the only team to have made an offer for the 21-year-old. His current contract expires in the summer of 2024. However, the Manchester-based club and Spanish giants Barcelona have also ‘been in touch’ for the France U21 international.
Badiashile is expected to cost around £35 million. The 21-year-old is eager to join Graham Potter’s team. In the recent transfer window, the Stamford Bridge side signed Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana. However, Thiago Silva is nearing the end of his career.
The Blaugrana have presented the defender with a contract offer. They are hoping the French national will wait until the summer to decide his future.
As for United, we have had to play the likes of Casemiro and Luke Shaw as centre-backs in recent fixtures. The likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez have all been unavailable.
The Argentina international recently won the 2022 World Cup. Hopefully, the 24-year-old will rejoin the squad soon and continue his brilliant partnership with Raphael Varane.
Badiashile has come up through the youth ranks at Monaco. The youngster has developed into a fine defender over the years. He has been a regular first-team player since the 2020/21 campaign.
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For now, United have enough strength in depth in the centre-back positions. However, if the likes of Maguire or Lindelof will depart in the coming future, it would be wise for the club to invest in someone like the 21-year-old.
