Chelsea have confirmed the signing of AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile as Rangers reportedly battle the French club to sign William Pacho.
Whilst there is some conjecture regarding whether it is Willian or William, both Rangers and the Ligue 1 outfit have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old Royal Antwerp defender.
William Pacho only joined the Belgian side last January but such has been the Ecuadorean’s impressive rise, a move to a bigger club now seemingly beckons.
Ravaged by defensive injuries at points this season, Rangers have been linked by reports from reputable journalists in Belgium with AS Monaco said to be the club’s closet suitors.
But the situation has taken a turn after AS Monaco opened up a gap in their squad – and banked a healthy return – by selling French defender Benoit Badiashile to Chelsea.
AS Monaco sell Benoit Badiashile amid Rangers transfer battle
According to the likes of the Daily Mail, Chelsea have paid £35m to sign the 21-year-old with Benoit Badiashile being handed a quite remarkable seven-and-a-half year contract.
But whilst the bonkers world of Premier League transfers continue to spark a conversation of its own, Rangers fans will have one eye on the potential ripple effect at the Stade Louis II.
Not only do AS Monaco now have cash to burn following the sale of Benoit Badiashile, but they now also have a central defensive void in their squad.
It’ll have Rangers fans wary of the French club’s prowess and spending power with regards any William Pacho links and it’s fair to say the situation with the Royal Antwerp defender remains unclear.
Pacho was part of the Ecuador squad for the World Cup in Qatar but the centre-back failed to get any minutes at the tournament.
Benoit Badiashile is a highly-rated left-sided young French defender who joins Chelsea after the London club reportedly failed to strike a deal for Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol.
Meanwhile, an ex-Celtic boss has opened the exit door for one high-profile Rangers target.
