Napoli hit €1m obstacle in Benoît Badiashile talks with Chelsea

Napoli's attempt to sign Benoît Badiashile from Chelsea has stalled over a €1million difference, despite the defender being keen on making the move to Italy.

Talks have been ongoing over a loan deal for the 25-year-old, who has struggled to secure regular football since joining Chelsea from AS Monaco in January 2023.

Napoli have already taken concrete steps towards signing him, but according to Gianluca Di Marzio, negotiations between the clubs are currently at a standstill.

The remaining obstacle concerns the terms attached to the potential permanent transfer.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has yet to approve a €1m bonus connected to the buyout figure, preventing the two clubs from finalising the agreement.

The situation comes after weeks of discussions over how the deal would be structured.

Chelsea have been looking for greater guarantees that Badiashile's loan would eventually become permanent. Napoli, meanwhile, have been working towards a deal that gives them more flexibility.

The French defender's position is much clearer. His entourage has previously indicated that Badiashile wants to join Napoli, meaning personal terms are not believed to be the major obstacle.

The uncertainty has prompted Napoli to keep another option ready.

Marseille defender Nayef Aguerd has emerged as the main alternative should negotiations with Chelsea collapse.

The Morocco international had been heading towards Real Sociedad, but that transfer fell through at the last minute. Napoli have subsequently brought his name back into consideration as they look to strengthen Massimiliano Allegri's defence.

That creates some urgency around the Badiashile negotiations. Napoli have a player who wants the move, but the club are unlikely to wait indefinitely if the final financial details cannot be settled.

Chelsea are willing to sanction Badiashile's departure after another season in which his opportunities were limited.

The centre-back has made 71 appearances for the Blues since arriving from Monaco, but featured only 16 times last season, playing 1,070 minutes.

With regular football difficult to secure under Xabi Alonso, a move to Napoli would give Badiashile the opportunity for a fresh start in Serie A.

For Chelsea, reaching an agreement would also help trim a squad that still has several potential departures to resolve before the transfer deadline.

Napoli must decide whether to approve the remaining €1m bonus and push the Badiashile deal towards completion.

If the two clubs cannot settle the final details, Napoli could instead move for Aguerd, leaving Chelsea needing to find another destination for Badiashile before the window closes.

For now, the deal is stalled rather than dead, with a relatively small financial difference still separating the clubs.