Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 20 Dec 2024 11:58 GMT
3 min read
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25
© IMAGO
Juventus have enquired about stand-in Chelsea captain Axel Disasi, according to French media.
The Frenchman has seen his role in the team increasingly diminish under Enzo Maresca. Disasi, signed in 2023 for a whopping €45 million, was a regular fixture under Mauricio Pochettino but is now only the captain of Chelsea's 'B Team,' the side that primarily features in the Conference League.
The versatile defender has played just 184 minutes of Premier League football this season and this has unsurprisingly given rise to speculation that he could depart Chelsea in January.
READ MORE: Confirmed - Who Chelsea will sell in January
The Blues were already open to selling the 26-year-old in the summer amid tentative interest from Newcastle, but no move ultimately materialised. However, links with clubs continue to abound.
Axel Disasi
© IMAGO - Axel Disasi
Juventus move for Disasi
Coach Maresca has admitted that he will not stand in the way of players who wish to leave in January for more playing time and Disasi looks a likely candidate to depart Stamford Bridge.
According to RMC, Serie A giants Juventus and an unnamed, 'big' German club have enquired about Disasi, though it is unclear if a January move would be on loan or permanently.
READ MORE: Maresca KNOWS first new player added to Chelsea squad in January
Given Chelsea's recent business, it seems likely that they would only consider a permanent sale - and at the right price - in the winter. Juventus' desire to add defensive reinforcements is well-known with director Cristiano Giuntoli repeatedly stating that he aims to add a defender in the winter.
As for the German club, it is unclear who enquired about the Frenchman and it is difficult to imagine that any side other than perhaps Bayern and RB Leipzig would be willing to spend big on Disasi in January, although his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped to just €20.9 million in recent months.