Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile arrives for Napoli transfer medical
Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile has arrived in Italy to undergo a medical ahead of a loan move to Serie A side Napoli.
The 25-year-old is nearing a temporary switch that includes a £23m option for the Italian club to make the deal permanent next summer.
The Blues are expected to receive an initial loan fee of £2.5m for the centre-back.
Footage broadcast by Sky Italy captured the former Monaco player leaving Naples airport in a taxi to complete his mandatory health checks.
Struggles for form and fitness
He had earlier been photographed travelling on a private jet alongside his agent, Mounir Sidhoum.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2023, the Frenchman initially impressed before falling down the pecking order due to recurring fitness issues.
He has not made a competitive appearance since completing extra time during an FA Cup victory over Wrexham in March.
Chelsea defensive reshuffle continues
It has been a busy transfer window for the West London club, who have bolstered their backline by signing Maxence Lacroix, Marcos Palestra and Pep Chavarria.
The outgoing defender follows in the footsteps of former team-mate Trevoh Chalobah, who recently sealed a transfer to Serie A rivals Como.
Napoli will be hoping their new acquisition can help bridge the gap to reigning Italian champions Inter Milan.
The Azzurri finished 11 points adrift of the title winners as runners-up during the previous league campaign.