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Chelsea make decision on the future of 26-year-old defender amid exit links

Chelsea have decided against parting ways with their French centre-back Axel Disasi in the upcoming transfer window.

Axel Disasi’s future has been a massive talking point of late. The French international has been linked with a move away from the club but according to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea have no intentions of sanctioning his departure in January.

After making a name for himself at AS Monaco, Disasi joined the Blues in the summer of 2023. He has featured in a total of 55 matches for the London club. While he was an important first-team player for them last season, he hasn’t been a regular feature under Enzo Maresca.

The Italian manager has preferred other options in the heart of the defence. So far, he has been involved in 11 matches and has racked up less than 900 minutes of first-team action. The lack of minutes has resulted in a lot of talk. He has been linked with a move away from the club and multiple reports have suggested that he could switch clubs in January.

The Blues are reportedly targeting Benfica’s Tomas Araujo and they could sanction the departure of Disasi to make room for the Portuguese centre-back. But, the report suggests that Chelsea are is in no rush to let go of the 26-year-old.

Chelsea won’t sell Disasi in January

While Maresca might have only used him in three league games, the Italian has named him in the starting XI of all of their European fixtures. He has even worn the captain’s armband in two of those matches.

He has been a utility man for the former Leicester City boss as he has started in central defence as well as a right-back in the absence of Reece James and Malo Gusto.

Reports earlier suggested that the London club are open to offers for the French international. But, in reality, they are not looking to offer him to other clubs in January as Maresca is keen on keeping his squad intact.

With James and Wesley Fofana out injured, Disasi could play a massive role in their team in the long run. Having made an impressive start to the 2024/25 season, the Blues want to ensure they have enough gas in their tank to maintain it in the second half of the campaign.

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