Barcelona and Manchester United are attempting to take over Chelsea's deal to sign Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile. The 21-year-old has emerged as a January target for Graham Potter's men ahead of a busy window.
With an ageing defence - Thiago Silva, 38, Kalidou Koulibaly, 31, and Cesar Azpilicueta, 33 - plus uncertainty over contracts and futures beyond this season - there is a real possibility two of that trio leave, at least - the Blues are back in the market for defenders.
They spent over £150million on new players across the backline in the summer for Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella and Koulibaly but none of them have settled fully into the team for various reasons. As Todd Boehly looks to build a team of young and hungry players, the attention has turned to Badiashile.
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It is understood a £35million deal is close with the French side for his services but that is set to be rivalled by two old foes. Barcelona, who had several encounters with Chelsea during the summer in multiple long-winded transfer spats, have reportedly tried to convince the player to wait until the summer to move.
Having swooped in to buy Raphinha from Leeds in front of Chelsea before convincing Jules Kounde to pick Catalonia over London later in the window, it would be understandable for a bit of anger at this latest hiccup. According to French publication L'Equipe, Xavi's side will have access to more funds over the summer to sign players.
This is, in part, why Chelsea are keen to act now and get ahead of their competition. It isn't just Badiashile that is wanted by other clubs; Enzo Fernandez, Josko Gvardiol and Rafael Leao and all admired across Europe. Jude Bellingham is perhaps the most in-demand player in the world and Chelsea have a job on their hands to get business done across the board.
One side they may not have expected to join the battle is Manchester United, but they too are said to be in the queue for Badiashile. However, it is written that the project at Stamford Bridge remains his preferred destination, for now.
Chelsea fans have too much recent experience with this type of deal to relax until players are holding up the shirt with a signed contract in front of them. The supposed interference from Barcelona and United may just have the same nerve wracking effect here.
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