Chelsea are increasingly confident in securing a deal for AS Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile despite competition from Manchester United, according to Foot Mercato.
The French outlet claimed that Chelsea already made a €40million (roughly £35m) offer for the 21-year-old this week.
Chelsea and Monaco are yet to reach a final agreement, but the negotiations are said to be progressing well.
According to the report, a source close to Chelsea believes that Badiashile is attracted to the project at Chelsea and is confident that the deal is heading in a positive direction.
There are reportedly final details to work on between the two clubs and the defender is still expected to cost Chelsea around the €40m mark.
Foot Mercato adds that Manchester United are also interested in the France international, but Chelsea are the clear leaders in the race.
Interestingly, CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs suggests that Badiashile has already agreed personal terms with the Blues.
He mentions that Chelsea have been impressed by his calmness on the ball, aggression, and imposing aerial qualities.
The Monaco centre-back is also left-footed which is ideal for a left-sided centre-back.
Update: Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the deal has reached the final stages.
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