Napoli are moving to address a pressing defensive shortage after learning that Alessandro Buongiorno will be sidelined for at least two to three months following knee surgery. The club's defensive options have been further thinned by the departure of Juan Jesus, who was allowed to leave as a free agent, and the fact that Sam Beukema is currently not fully fit.
To bolster their backline, the Partenopei have prepared an opening offer of €17.5m for Chelsea defender Badiashile. While this initial proposal is expected to fall short of Chelsea's valuation, which is reported to be closer to €30m, the club remains open to continuing negotiations. Napoli's preferred structure for the deal would be an initial loan move, potentially including an option to buy the player permanently at the end of the season.
In the event that a deal for Badiashile proves difficult, Napoli are also considering alternatives, including a move for West Ham United's Jean-Clair Todibo. The defender is viewed as a potential target following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League. Todibo, who was acquired by the Hammers for €40m from OGC Nice last summer following an initial loan spell, is unlikely to be interested in competing in the Championship.
