Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is poised to end his time at Stamford Bridge in the upcoming January transfer window, with multiple clubs reportedly ready to offer him an escape route.
The 27-year-old centre-back, signed from Monaco for £39 million in 2023, has been completely marginalised by manager Enzo Maresca this season, failing to make a single senior appearance.
Exile Under Maresca and Youth Team Demotion
Disasi's fall from grace has been stark. After spending the latter part of last season on loan at Aston Villa, he has returned to Chelsea only to find himself training and playing with the youth squads.
He has featured for the club's under-21s against Reading in November and for the under-23s against Paris Saint-Germain this month, a clear indication he is not in Maresca's plans.
The defender is behind a long list of preferred options, including Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, and younger talents Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato.
Transfer Guru Confirms January Departure
While a summer move to clubs like West Ham United failed to materialise, the path for a winter exit now appears clear. Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated that Disasi "will leave" Chelsea in the New Year.
Romano reported on social media platform X: "Axel Disasi will leave Chelsea in January with several clubs already on alert about his availability. Despite links with an imminent AC Milan move, he's been offered as an option but no talks or concrete negotiations are taking place at this stage."
Although specific clubs were not named, Premier League sides West Ham and Crystal Palace are known to be in the market for defensive reinforcements, making them potential destinations.
A Swift Fall from 'John Terry' Comparisons
Disasi's expected departure marks a dramatic downturn for a player who once earned comparisons to Chelsea legend John Terry. The Frenchman has made 61 appearances for the Blues.
His standout performance in a match against Manchester City last season prompted high praise from pundit Jamie Carragher, who described it as a "John Terry type performance" and labelled Disasi "brilliant" and "man of the match".
With his Chelsea career now effectively over, the January window represents a critical opportunity for the once-lauded defender to revive his fortunes at a new club.
