Nizaar Kinsella is not exclusively on the Chelsea beat anymore, but he’s happy to chase up a story when it needs it.
That’s what’s happened today, with the reporter getting the inside scoop on what’s happening in the evolving story around Axel Disasi for the BBC.
Reports emerged yesterday that there are a number of European sides interested – including Juventus and a “big German club” in the central defender. After joining in the summer of 2023 from Monaco for £38.5m following the injury to Wesley Fofana, Disasi became a regular under Mauricio Pochettino last season.
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A Chelsea flag flies at Wembley. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
A group photo of Chelsea celebrating a goal at Leicester. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Chelsea in a team huddle ahead of EFL Cup game. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
However since then he’s fallen down the pecking order, with Enzo Maresca preferring Levi Colwill and the returned Fofana in the middle. Summer 2024 arrival Tosin Adarabioyo has also been above Disasi in the pecking order of late, creating the basis for the departure rumours.
Disasi not looking to go anywhere
Axel Disasi speaks in Conference League press conference.
Axel Disasi speaks in Conference League press conference.
But according to Kinsella, the defender is “not planning to leave Chelsea”, despite the interest.
Enzo Maresca also isn’t expected to “push for his exit,” although that probably overstates his role in deciding things like that. As a 5th choice defender, the 5 time France capped former Monaco man is a good option and seems a good presence in the dressing room.
And Disasi likely is in no rush to leave – he’s played 13 times in all competitions this season, as a mainstay for the B team. He’s captained the side on 5 occasions, and will be in no rush to leave, especially considering the positive atmosphere at the club right now.
If he ends up remaining 5th choice, perhaps his mind will start to change in the summer. Or perhaps if a desperate Juventus make him a big offer and promise him starter status. But for now we can understand why nobody wants to leave the rising force at Stamford Bridge.