Marseille are one of the most active clubs in every transfer market in recent times, and they are reportedly set to live up to the label in the January window. As per reports from France, the club are targeting Arsenal center-back Jakub Kiwior as well as Chelsea’s Benoit Badiashile in possible moves during the winter window.
The French side are reportedly keen to bolster their defense this month as they look to secure qualification to the UEFA Champions League for next season with a respectable league standing in Ligue 1. Marseille reportedly have concerns over Lillian Brassier, who they signed only last summer but the player has been unconvincing.
As a result, Roberto De Zerbi and the club have turned their attention to two Premier League defenders. However, acquiring either Badiashile or Kiwior from Chelsea or Arsenal will not be easy, and could force Marseille to wait it out until the summer.
Kiwior and Badiashile’s situation at their current clubs
Kiwior and Badiashile have both been fringe players for their respective clubs over the last two seasons and have failed to establish themselves as regulars in the starting XI, with other players regularly being picked ahead of them.
Jakub Kiwior joined Arsenal two years ago but has only featured sparingly, mainly as a cover for when Gabriel Magalhaes or Riccardo Calafiori are out injured. Normally a composed player, Kiwior’s tendency to make mistakes has also not worked in his favour, with Mikel Arteta vesting his trust in others. Since joining in January 2023, the Pole has made just 52 appearances for the club, scoring two goals and providing five assists. He has been linked with a move to Napoli as well, and it remains to be seen what he decides.
MUST READ: Arsenal exploring options to sign ‘Japanese Messi’ from LaLiga side
Badiashile, on the other hand, joined the Blues around the same time as Kiwior joined Arsenal. However, his involvement has been even lower, coming only when players were injured or suspended. The Frenchman has made 45 appearances for Chelsea, scoring two goals and providing one assist as well. However, aged just 23, he needs to be playing way more and could seek a move away from Stamford Bridge in order to seek regular game time.
