Chelsea have completed the signing of highly rated France international for €38 million

Chelsea have completed the signing of Benoit Badiashile from Monaco for €38 million.

The Blues spent over £150 million in the summer to strengthen their defense, but Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, and Wesley Fofana have struggled to make an impact.

Injury has limited Fofana, who cost an eye-watering £70 million, to just four appearances, while the experienced Koulibally has struggled to adjust to Premier League football.

Cucurella, meanwhile, has had the benefit of spending a season with new Chelsea manager Graham Potter at Brighton, but the Spaniard has failed to justify his £63 million price tag and has struggled to convince in the absence of Ben Chilwell, who has had another injury-plagued season.

Chelsea lost Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger in the summer, and while veteran Thiago Silva has continued to shine, both Potter and his predecessor, Thomas Tuchel, have struggled to field a consistent defense.

Badiashile is the latest highly-rated centre-half to come off France’s production line. He is expected to compete for a first-team spot at Stamford Bridge immediately and could form a long-term partnership with his compatriot, Fofana, once he returns to full fitness.

‘I’m very happy to be here at Chelsea,’ said the 21-year-old for the first time as a Chelsea player. I’m extremely excited to begin playing for this club. I can’t wait to meet the fans and begin playing in the world’s best league.

‘I’d like to thank all of the Club’s members, educators, coaches, and partners who have helped me become the player and man I am today since I arrived at the club almost 7 years ago.

‘I will not forget the fans’ affection and support. AS Monaco has allowed me to realize many of my dreams; I will be eternally grateful and will always keep Les Rouge et Noir in my heart.

‘We’re delighted to welcome Benoit to Chelsea,’ said Chelsea Chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali.

‘He’s an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a significant amount of experience for his age.

‘We are confident that he will be an important member of our team in the coming years.’