PREMIER LEAGUE: CHELSEA SIGN DEFENDER BENOIT BADIASHILE FROM MONACO

Chelsea announced the signing of defender Benoit Badiashile from Ligue 1 side Monaco on Thursday, with the Frenchman signing a seven-and-a-half-year contract.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but British media reported that it was worth 35 million pounds ($41.70 million).

“We are thrilled to welcome Benoit to Chelsea,” said Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali in a joint statement.

“He’s an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a huge amount of experience for his young age. We are confident that he will be an important member of our team in the coming years.”

Badiashile, who has two France caps, first joined Monaco’s youth team in 2016. Last season, the 21-year-old made 24 league appearances for Monaco, which finished third in the French league.

He will compete for the position of center back at Chelsea alongside Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, Trevoh Chalobah, and Wesley Fofana.

“I’m delighted to be here at Chelsea. I’m extremely excited to begin playing for this club. “I can’t wait to see the fans and play in the world’s best league,” Badiashile said.

Chelsea, which finished third in the league last season, is now tenth after winning just one of their last seven league games. Later on Thursday, it will face second-placed Manchester City.