Chelsea open to offers for £35m flop earning more than Palmer and Gallagher

Chelsea are reportedly willing to listen to offers for French centre-back Benoit Badiashile, just 18 months after signing him from AS Monaco for £35 million. The 23-year-old defender has struggled to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge and could be on his way out as the Blues look to trim their bloated squad.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Badiashile has attracted interest from Serie A clubs AC Milan and AS Roma, as well as unnamed teams in the Saudi Pro League. The young Frenchman, once touted as one of Europe's most promising ball-playing defenders, has failed to consistently showcase the qualities that prompted Chelsea to invest heavily in his signature.

Since joining the Blues in January 2023, Badiashile has been hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 15 Premier League starts last season. When he has featured, the former Monaco man has struggled to make a significant impact on the pitch, raising questions about his long-term future at the club.

With the arrival of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham and the return of Wesley Fofana from injury, Badiashile faces stiff competition for a starting spot in Enzo Maresca's backline. The Blues also have the likes of Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, and Trevoh Chalobah vying for minutes at centre-back, which could further limit Badiashile's opportunities.

Badiashile's reported £90,000-per-week salary has also raised eyebrows, as he currently earns more than key players such as Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher. Given his limited impact on the pitch, Chelsea may feel that offloading the Frenchman and his hefty wages could be a prudent move as they seek to streamline their squad and allocate resources more effectively under Enzo Maresca's stewardship.

If Badiashile does depart, Chelsea could turn their attention to Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro as a potential replacement. The Blues have been linked with the highly-rated teenager, who could be a more cost-effective option as they look to build for the future.

Serie A clubs AC Milan and AS Roma have shown interest in Badiashile, as they look to bolster their defensive options ahead of the upcoming season. The Italian top-flight could provide the young Frenchman with a fresh start and the opportunity to regain his form and confidence in a new environment.

Additionally, teams in the Saudi Pro League have also expressed interest in Badiashile. The lucrative offers from the Middle East could be tempting for both the player and Chelsea, as the Blues look to recoup some of the £35 million they invested in the defender.

While Benoit Badiashile's time at Chelsea has not gone according to plan, he remains a talented young defender with the potential to thrive in the right environment. A move away from Stamford Bridge could be beneficial for all parties involved, as the Blues look to streamline their squad and the player seeks regular playing time to further his development.

It remains to be seen where Badiashile will end up. However, one thing is certain: Chelsea are open to entertaining offers for the French centre-back, signalling a potential end to his short-lived stint in West London.