Chelsea has completed the signing of France defender Benoit Badiashile from Monaco on a seven-and-a-half-year contract.

The 21-year-old has joined Chelsea for a reputed £35 million price after making over 100 appearances in Ligue 1 for the Principality side.

He has also been in the Champions League and been capped twice by the French national team, making his debut in a 2-1 victory against Austria last September.

Following the additions of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana during the summer transfer window, Badiashile becomes Chelsea’s third key central-defensive acquisition this season.

“I’m delighted to be here at Chelsea,” Badiashile told the club’s official website. “I’m beyond thrilled to be joining this group. I can’t wait to meet the fans and play in the world’s top league.”

He is the club’s second acquisition of the January transfer window, after striker David Datro Fofana’s arrival from Molde in Norway earlier this week.

“We’re delighted to welcome Benoit to Chelsea,” chairman Todd Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali told the club’s website. “He’s an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a huge amount of experience for his young age. We are sure he will form an important part of our team in the years ahead.”