In a whirlwind of transfer activity as the window nears its close, Chelsea’s squad overhaul continues to make headlines. The Blues, under Enzo Maresca’s stewardship, are reshaping their roster, with several high-profile players on the chopping block. Among them, Axel Disasi, the £39m signing from AS Monaco in 2023, is at the center of a surprising loan move that could see him don new colors in the Premier League.
Bournemouth have emerged as frontrunners in the race for Disasi, engaging in talks with Chelsea for a loan deal that includes an option to buy, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri. The Cherries, known for their shrewd transfer business, see the French defender as a potential cornerstone for their backline. Disasi’s struggles at Stamford Bridge last season, coupled with limited game time in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign, have made him expendable in Maresca’s long-term vision. His brief loan stint at Aston Villa earlier this season failed to convince the Midlands club to pursue a permanent deal, leaving the door open for Bournemouth to swoop in.
🇫🇷🚨🍒 EXCLUSIVE: AFC Bournemouth has START club-to-club talks with Chelsea Football Club for Axel Disasi!
🔵🏴 This is a loan with an option to buy.
💰The Cherries are also in talks with the French central back. #transferwindow #CFC #AFCB pic.twitter.com/PSX4ELe3Lj
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 20, 2025
Chelsea’s hefty £39m investment in Disasi two summers ago may prove difficult to recoup, given his inconsistent performances. However, Bournemouth’s interest signals their ambition to bolster their defense with a player who, at his best, offers physicality, aerial dominance, and versatility.
Bournemouth aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 26-year-old defender. Wolverhampton Wanderers have also entered the fray, with The Chelsea Chronicle reporting their keen interest in Disasi. Wolves, looking to shore up their backline, see the Frenchman as a valuable addition to their squad. Meanwhile, Newcastle United were briefly linked with Disasi, but their recent acquisition of Malick Thiaw from AC Milan has cooled their interest.
With multiple Premier League clubs circling, Disasi’s next destination remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his time at Chelsea is drawing to a close. Currently sidelined from the first team, even with Levi Colwill’s ACL injury leaving Maresca short on defensive options, Disasi’s departure feels inevitable.
Disasi isn’t the only player facing the exit door at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are actively looking to offload several stars, including Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, and Ben Chilwell, as part of their squad streamlining. Another notable name is Nicolas Jackson, whose future has been thrown into doubt following the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. Former player Jamie O’Hara believes Jackson could thrive at Everton, though the Toffees’ financial constraints make such a move unlikely.
Jackson, like Disasi, was a 2023 summer signing but has failed to secure a place in Maresca’s plans. The young striker’s potential move highlights Chelsea’s relentless pursuit of squad harmony, even if it means parting ways with recent investments.
As the transfer window clock ticks down, Disasi’s next move will be a defining moment in his career. A fresh start at Bournemouth or Wolves could provide the platform he needs to rediscover his form, while Chelsea look to free up funds and squad space for new additions. The proposed loan deal, with its option to buy, offers flexibility for all parties involved, but it also underscores the high stakes of the Premier League’s transfer market.