Chelsea have overtaken Manchester City in a bid to sign the Moroccan defender who could leave Rome after just one season at the club because of wage demands standing at 4 m euros per season.
It is also believed Benatia may have already agreed to personal terms at Man City despite the club not having placed an official bid.
After losing David Luiz to PSG in exchange for a huge compensation of money, Chelsea are on the lookout to bring in a new central defender and with Benatia's future looking increasingly likely to be away from Italy, Chelsea have moved into the pole position with a big bid being placed.
Il Messagero is reporting that the Blues have made an offer of 18 million pounds plus Romelu Lukaku who is valued at 20 million pounds, bringing the total offer to 38 million pounds.
The 27 year-old made 37 appearances in both the Coppa Italia and Serie A last season with five goals to his name as well.