Chelsea Defensive Reshuffle Continues as Sarr and Badiashile Edge Towards Exit Door

• Real Sociedad are reportedly pursuing a loan move for Chelsea FC defender Mamadou Sarr (20), while Al-Hilal are also interested
• Benoit Badiashile has arrived in Italy ahead of a proposed move to Napoli that could reach €30m if made permanent
• Napoli are set to add Badiashile after already signing Costantino Favasuli, with Alessandro Buongiorno, Sam Beukema and Luca Marianucci all currently injured

Sarr Attracts Interest From Spain and Saudi Arabia

Real Sociedad are looking to arrange a loan deal for Chelsea FC defender Mamadou Sarr (20). The Spanish club are not alone in monitoring the young centre-back, with Saudi side Al-Hilal also said to be interested.

Al-Hilal’s management have reportedly already explained their plans to Sarr. The possibility of playing alongside his compatriot Kalidou Koulibaly (35) could be a significant factor in the defender’s decision.

Sarr moved to Chelsea from their sister club RC Strasbourg last winter, but his adjustment to English football has proved challenging. After being an undisputed first-team regular in Ligue 1, he has found himself operating as a substitute in the Premier League.

The Martigues-born defender has made just seven appearances for the London club. Despite that limited club involvement, he was selected by Pape Thiaw for the World Cup, although he did not make his debut at the tournament.

Sarr was rarely used by Xabi Alonso during Chelsea’s pre-season preparations, and he now appears set to leave on loan in order to continue his development.

Mamadou Sarr has two options: European football in San Sebastián or generational wealth in the Middle East.

Per Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM), both Real Sociedad and Al-Hilal have submitted proposals to Chelsea for the defender. La Liga on loan for the project, Saudi Arabia for the… pic.twitter.com/JAnJShmAUJ

— TrifectaSport (@TrifectaSport) August 19, 2026

Badiashile Arrives in Italy Ahead of Napoli Switch

Chelsea centre-back Benoit Badiashile has arrived in Italy before completing a proposed move to Serie A club Napoli. The deal could be worth a total of €30m if the transfer is eventually made permanent.

Badiashile is joining the Partenopei on an initial season-long loan for €3m, with Napoli holding an option to buy him for a further €27m. The 25-year-old is expected to undergo his medical with the Azzurri on Wednesday.

Badiashile is set to become Napoli’s second defensive signing of the summer. He follows Italy youngster Costantino Favasuli, whose arrival was officially announced on Wednesday morning.

Those additions strengthen Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive options at a time when centre-backs Alessandro Buongiorno, Sam Beukema and Luca Marianucci are all currently out injured.

Transfer Overview