Chelsea 'have agreed a £33m deal to sign Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile'

Chelsea 'have reached an agreement' to sign the Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile in a deal worth around £33million.

The Blues have agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old on a long-term contract and a medical is set to take place.

Chelsea have been looking for a left-sided centre-back since the summer and were unable to agree a deal with RB Leipzig for the Croatia international Josko Gvardiol.

But, according to The Athletic, they are set to make Badiashile a January addition.

Badiashile, who has made two appearances for France, stands 6ft 4in tall and is known for his impressive speed and ability to win back possession.

He broke into the Monaco first team at a young age and has accumulated 135 appearances for the Ligue 1 side over the last five seasons.

Badiashile will compete with Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah for the central defensive positions at Stamford Bridge.

It was an area that needed strengthening after Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both left on free transfer over the summer.

Sportsmail reported last week that Monaco were holding out for more than £35m for Badiashile but a compromise has apparently been struck just below that sum.

Chelsea were keen because he can fit in effortlessly to either a four-man or three-man defence, with manager Graham Potter playing both.

Badiashile was the subject of a bid from Newcastle United last year but picked up an injury after talks were initiated, meaning Eddie Howe’s side moved on to Sven Botman.

West Ham and Sevilla also showed interest but the France international has always wanted to play for a Premier League side contending for the Champions League.

Chelsea had a bid rejected for Red Bull Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol last summer and, while the Croatian remains a target, his club's reluctance to sell has prompted Chelsea's immediate move for Badiashile.