Chelsea have reportedly come to an agreement with Monaco over a deal for central defender Benoit Badiashile.

The 21-year-old's future has been the subject of much speculation over the last week, with the Blues said to have identified him as their leading target for the January window.

Monaco boss Philippe Clement recently sent a warning to Chelsea over a deal, claiming that a number of other clubs were also tracking the Frenchman.

"I don't think there is only one club that has approached Benoit Badiashile. It's not just Chelsea. There has been a lot of interest in several of our players over the past six months. This is also the case with Benoit," Clement told reporters.

Manchester United and Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in Badiashile, but according to The Athletic, Chelsea have come to an agreement with the defender over a deal.

The report claims that the Premier League club will pay between £32.8m and £33.7m for the centre-back, who has already agreed personal terms with Graham Potter's side.

When questioned on the interest, Chelsea boss Potter told reporters: "My answer is I don't speak about anyone that isn't a Chelsea player.

"There are lots of people who get linked to this club and I'd be wasting your time and mine if I responded to every one.

"I always say the club's responsibility is to try to improve the team but my job is to try to improve the players we have here and the team. That's what I'll be focused on."

However, it is understood that a deal has now been agreed, with a medical being scheduled.

Badiashile has been a regular for Monaco during the 2022-23 campaign, making 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals in the process.

The defender - capped on two occasions by France - has been with Monaco since 2018, making 135 appearances for the Ligue 1 side in all competitions.

Badiashile has now entered the final 18 months of his contract with his current side, who were allegedly reluctant to let him progress into the final year of his deal.

Chelsea have found it difficult to show their best form in the Premier League this season, with the Blues currently sitting down in ninth position in the table, eight points behind fourth-placed Manchester United. body check tags ::