Maurizio Sarri Pleads With Lazio Board Over Move For Chelsea Defender
Chelsea are willing to let Benoit Badiashile go during the January transfer window and the French defender has attracted interest from Serie A.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 19 January 2026
Lazio are monitoring Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile and the Frenchman is reportedly open to Serie A move.
Serie A Side Target Benoit Badiashile
After a difficult spell in West London, Benoit Badiashile could bring his time with Chelsea to an end before the January transfer window comes to a close.
The Frenchman has missed 12 matches through injury this season, making just four starts in the Premier League and falling below the likes of Trevor Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo in the Chelsea pecking order.
Liam Rosenior is yet to find his ideal starting eleven after taking the reins from Enzo Maresca on January 8th, but the Chelsea manager is reportedly willing to move Badiashile on this month.
Badiashile’s deal with the Blues is set to expire in June 2030, meaning Chelsea will be looking to receive a substantial fee for the 24-year-old.
However, Lazio are hoping to avoid a major transfer fee during the January transfer window and could approach the Premier League side with a loan offer.
Maurizio Sarri’s side are set to make multiple additions this month, as Lazio target Patrick Wimmer despite interest from Bologna and Fiorentina.
The Laziali’s search for January reinforcements has increased after Taty Castellanos and Matteo Guendouzi parted ways with the club – joining West Ham and Fenerbahce respectively.
So far, the Serie A side have brought in Kenneth Taylor from Ajax for €16.9million and Petar Ratkov from RB Salzburg for €13m as Sarri looks to guide his side up the table.
Bringing in Badiashile on loan for the remainder of the season could be a shrewd move by Lazio as Alessio Romagnoli considers a move to Qatar – but Sarri’s future could deter the Lazio board from making further signings.
Lazio Unsure Over Maurizio Sarri Future
The former Chelsea manager has been linked with a move away from Lazio for multiple months and these rumors have increased following Sarri’s comments towards the Laziali board.
Sarri vented his frustration over Lazio’s lack of activity in the transfer window, especially after the club underwent a transfer embargo during the summer for financial breaches.
Things escalated further after reports revealed that Sarri would quit if Lazio sold Romagnoli and this could impact the club’s support during the January window.
Lazio currently sit ninth in Serie A after picking-up just one win from their last five in Italy’s top-flight and questions have been asked over Sarri’s performances this season.
The veteran manager is under contract until the end of the 2026/27 season, meaning Lazio would have to pay Sarri a substantial severance package to complete a full termination.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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