Which $44 million-worth Chelsea star reportedly facing shock exit just a year after arrival?

Chelsea have been pretty active in the transfer window in the last couple of years. The Blues have been spending huge amounts of money to bring in numerous players since the American takeover of the club. Similarly, they have sold or let go of a number of stars, making it quite a bizarre time for both the manager and fans.

And the club has no intention of stopping with their transfer strategy now, with some more transfers already planned out. They are reportedly interested in bringing in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. On top of that, the Blues are ready to offload some current players as well.

Benoit Badiashile could leave Chelsea just 12 months after arrival

The player who is quite set to leave the club is Benoit Badiashile, one of Chelsea’s recent signings. He has only been at Stamford Bridge for around a year, joining in January of this year for a fee of £35 million from French club Monaco. At the time, it was seen as a great move, as Badiashile was a very promising centerback in France.

But due to a low amount of playing time since his arrival coupled with some unfortunate injuries, his time at the club may be cut short. And it is a French club that is interested in him, as Foot Mercato reports that Olympique Lyon are trying to bring in the player on a loan deal.

The French club is having one of their worst seasons in history, as they are currently battling relegation. They are in 16th place in Ligue 1 and desperately need reinforcements to make sure their season is saved. They have decided to bring in a defender to bolster their team, and Badiashile is seen as a good option.

However, manager Maurcio Pochettino may not want to part with him so soon. The French defender has started the last four games. Furthermore, the player himself wants to stay and fight for his place. Lyon will have a hard time bringing him in, with the 22-year-old having six and a half years left on his contract. However, Chelsea may allow Lyon to have him on loan to make sure the player grows to his best with some playing time.

Chelsea nears completion of deal for Senegal U17 midfielder

Chelsea are already planning another transfer, and that of a youth player. The scouting department has targeted Pape Daouda Diong, a 17-year-old midfielder from Senegal. Currently, he plays for AF Darou Salam in his hometown, Senegal.

The player was seen during the club’s Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United yesterday, along with Kendry Paez, another young talent set to join the club in 2025. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Pape will join the club in June 2024, when he will be 18 years old.

The young midfielder is described as being both strong defensively with many technical abilities. He first proved his worth in the recent U17 World Cup in Indonesia last month. Though the U17 Senegal team was knocked out in the Round of 16, he proved his mettle against some of the very best young talents in the world.

Chelsea will travel to Wolverhampton Wolves on Sunday as the Blues continue to make progress up the Premier League table.