Lyon want Chelsea defender on loan but face two big hurdles

Olympique Lyon want to make a loan move for Chelsea centre-back Benoit Badiashile

As per Foot Mercato (h/t ESPN), Olympique Lyon are interested in making a loan move for Chelsea’s centre-back Benoit Badiashile in January.

Badiashile has returned to action after sustaining an injury before the end of last season. The centre-back has made five appearances this campaign, with a goal and an assist to his name so far.

However, the Frenchman is keen on staying at Stamford Bridge despite Lyon’s interest and Chelsea are also reluctant to facilitate many departures in January.

The young player, who was signed from AS Monaco last season, has always performed admirably when given the opportunity. The defender displayed poise and remained steadfast in the 2-0 victory over Sheffield United.

Even though he is only 22 years old, Mauricio Pochettino has given him opportunities that will make him our most valuable player going forward. He is very mature when it comes to performance.

Given that Thiago Silva might depart the team next season, Badiashile has every chance to emerge as Chelsea’s next great sensation.

He is already developed and doesn’t require a loan to move to grow somewhere; therefore, it’s a good thing Chelsea aren’t trying to loan him out. But if Wesley Fofana returns, there will be competition and Pochettino will be spoiled with options at the back.

There may still be space for improvement, but with every game he will eventually mature and hopefully remain here rather than being loaned to another team.

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A loan deal may have been considered if we had more choices at centre back, but since half of our fullbacks are injured, Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill have had to play right and left back, respectively. Silva and Badiashile handle centre back in the interim.

Our next game will be against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal, and Badiashile will hopefully be in the lineup to deal with a physical opposition.