Chelsea are continuing their brilliant start under Enzo Maresca this week after a thumping victory over Southampton on Wednesday night.
Five different goalscorers condemned the South Coast club to a 5-1 defeat at St Mary's Stadium and moved Chelsea above Arsenal into second. The Blues are now focussing fully on their derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday knowing that Ange Postecoglou's side are in low spirits following a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Thursday night.
Ahead of the game, football.london has taken a closer look at a couple of the stories floating around about Chelsea including the future of defender Axel Disasi and Kai Havertz's recent comments on leaving Stamford Bridge.
Maresca's mind made up on Disasi
According to TeamTalk, Maresca has decided that selling Disasi would be a wise option in the January transfer window. It is claimed the Italian deems Disasi as being limited and that he offers the potential to be sold for good money.
Disasi only joined Chelsea in 2023, signing a six-year deal at the time.
What FL says: Should this be Maresca's true thoughts on Disasi, it would not come as a surprise considering he is no stranger to declaring players as being out of his plans. As such a shame as it is to say it, sentimentality wins you nothing in football and if Maresca feels that Disasi can be upgraded upon or if the money accumulated from the sale can strengthen another area of the pitch, then it is the right call. However, creating an environment where players are fearful for their futures could back fire dramatically in the long run.
Havertz on his Chelsea exit
Speaking recently, Havertz insisted that leaving Chelsea in favour of Arsenal was one of the best decisions he has ever made. "For me, it's the best thing I could have done [joining Arsenal]," he told Sky Sports.
"I'm so happy with the support of everyone who helped me during my time there. I've only just started, and I hope to continue playing well and winning titles."
What FL says: Havertz is entitled to his opinion and on the face of things leaving Chelsea was right for him personally. The German is playing better now at the Emirates Stadium than he did at Stamford Bridge. However, he has currently won as many titles as Chelsea have since leaving the Blues and he is currently as close to winning the Premier League this year as Chelsea are. Ultimately, moving across London was best for both parties with Chelsea looking more dangerous than ever in the forward areas without Havertz in the team. Neither party is likely to regret parting ways much even if the Arsenal man is impressing in his new chapter.
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