Napoli is working to finalize the acquisition of Benoit Badiashile in time for their Serie A opener next weekend. The deal requires approval from Aurelio De Laurentiis regarding an additional bonus for Chelsea, and there are indications that the player himself is hesitating.

Multiple sources in Italy, England and France reported on Thursday that the deal was done, involving a loan fee of €3 million, plus a €1 million bonus, followed by an option to buy for an additional €27 million.

However, Badiashile has not yet received clearance to travel to Italy for his medical examinations.

Badiashile Delay for Napoli

COBHAM, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea warms up during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on January 27, 2026 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)

Sky Sport Italia reports that De Laurentiis must still agree to the revised terms for the €1 million bonus, which was not included in the original contract.

The financial expectations have risen significantly compared to the €18-20 million proposal from just days earlier.

Additionally, L’Equipe indicates that Badiashile has not finalized his personal terms and remains uncertain about the transfer to Napoli.

The 25-year-old player was a significant €38 million investment for Chelsea when they acquired him from AS Monaco in January 2023, but he only made 16 competitive appearances during the last season.

Napoli hope to have Benoit Badiashile for their Serie A opener next weekend, but Aurelio De Laurentiis needs to approve an extra Chelsea bonus, and the player is reportedly hesitating too.

Multiple sources in Italy, England and France reported on Thursday that the deal was done, for a loan at €3m plus €1m bonus, then an option to buy for a further €27m.

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However, the defender still has not been given the all clear to travel to Italy for the medical tests.

Badiashile delay for Napoli

COBHAM, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea warms up during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on January 27, 2026 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)

There might be two reasons at play here, as Sky Sport Italia claim Napoli President De Laurentiis still needs to accept the terms of the €1m bonus payment, which was not part of the original agreement.

Indeed, the costs look considerably higher than the €18-20m proposal that had been made just a few days ago.

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On top of that, L’Equipe suggest that Badiashile has not yet accepted the personal terms and is not entirely convinced about this transfer to Napoli.

The 25-year-old had been a big €38m investment when Chelsea bought him from AS Monaco in January 2023, but he made only 16 competitive appearances last season.