Chelsea are reportedly prepared to sell defender Axel Disasi during the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old has fallen out of the starting XI under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who has taken a ruthless approach to his squad decision making since switching to Stamford Bridge.
That being said, Disasi earned his second Premier League start of 2024-25 on Wednesday night, when the Blues smashed relegation-threatened Southampton 5-1.
The centre-back opened the scoring in the seventh minute on the South coast, before goals from Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho completed the battering of the Saints.
Since making the £38.8m move from Ligue 1 giants Monaco in August 2023, Disasi has featured in 55 competitive matches for Chelsea, scoring five goals.
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Chelsea want to offload 'limited' Disasi in January?
According to TEAMtalk, Disasi's stay at Stamford Bridge could be approaching its conclusion just 18 months after his high-profile arrival from the French top flight.
The report claims that Chelsea are open to selling the 26-year-old during the upcoming January transfer window, with a view to improving the squad in the near future.
It is understood that some members of the coaching staff view Disasi as a 'limited' defender who might be unable to help Maresca's side towards their ultimate goals.
The Blues are allegedly targeting improvements at centre-back, with Benfica star Tomas Araujo - who has an £83m release clause in his contract - linked to the Stamford Bridge club.
Chelsea also supposedly hold an interest in Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, who was the subject of four bids from Newcastle United over the summer.
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Chelsea's centre-back battle
Following the arrival of Maresca, Frenchman Disasi has seen his game time reduced, totalling just 185 minutes of Premier League football across three matches.
Often deployed at left-back by Mauricio Pochettino last term, Levi Colwill is now thriving at the centre of the Blues' back-four system.
As a result, Disasi and compatriot Benoit Badiashile have been left to fight for the spot next to the England international in Maresca's first-team plans.
Carter White
