Report: Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille set sights on Arsenal defender and Chelsea centre-back
01/02/2025 12:15 PM
The January transfer window is now open and clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea could well be on the lookout for reinforcements.
However, the Gunners and the Blues will also have to be mindful of other clubs circling around their players.
According to a report from France, Ligue 1 outfit Marseille have set their sights on an Arsenal defender and a Chelsea centre-back.
READ MORE: Arsenal considering loan move for Premier League striker considered the next Alan Shearer
Marseille eyeing Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior and Chelsea’s Benoit Badiashile
La Provence has reported that Marseille have Arsenal's Jakub Kiwior and Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile on their January transfer wish list.
The French outlet claims that Marseille have set their sights on bolstering their defensive ranks by the end of this month.
They are said to have concerns about Lillian Brassier, who was signed in summer but has seemingly failed to convince and could now be moved on.
Kiwior and Badiashile are now apparently on Marseille’s wish-list, though the report acknowledges that neither player would be easy to secure this summer.
Chelsea are happy with Badiashile and seem unwilling to let him leave in January, even though he’s currently on the fringes of Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Meanwhile, Kiwior has been featuring more regularly for Arsenal in recent weeks, suggesting they aren’t planning to let him go mid-season either.
However, Arsenal are said to value Kiwior at around £45million, suggesting they could be willing to move him on at some point.
READ MORE: Chelsea have already made an exciting January signing which has gone completely under the radar
How Kiwior and Badiashile are faring this season for Arsenal and Chelsea
Kiwior has been a fairly solid squad member for Arsenal since sealing a £20million move to the Emirates Stadium from Spezia two years ago.
He has made 52 appearances for the Gunners, including 14 this season, for a total of 731 minutes of first-team football. He has also registered two assists.
Likewise, Badiashile joined Chelsea in the 2023 January transfer window, the Blues paying Monaco around £30million for his services.
He has made 45 appearances for Chelsea, including 12 this season, and has clocked up 967 minutes of first-team football this term.
Although Kiwior nor Badiashile are regular starters for their respective clubs, both Arsenal and Chelsea are in European competition and workload is intense.
With that in mind, it may be difficult for Marseille to get their hands on either player until the end of the season at least.
