Chelsea are reportedly working on the signing of Benoit Badiashile from Monaco as they look to strengthen in the middle of their defence for the second half of the season

A new defender is a priority and the 21-year-old has now emerged as a top target.

They are already in talks with Monaco, according to The Athletic, as they look to finalise a deal for the coming weeks.

According to the reports, Chelsea will need to pay around £31m to sign the centre-back.

Badiashile has already made 135 appearances for Monaco in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing three assists from the heart of defence since becoming a regular in the 2018-19 campaign.