Chelsea face West London rivals Brentford when the Premier League returns after the international break.
Enzo Maresca’s side have picked up seven points from three London derbies so far this term and currently sit second in the Premier League table, behind reigning champions Liverpool.
The Italian has already guided his side to victories in the Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup since taking charge of the club, but the former Leicester City man will hope to see his side add to that trophy collection this season.
After a busy summer transfer window at Stamford Bridge, it has now emerged that one of Chelsea’s defenders is set to depart the club in the new year.
According to CaughtOffside, defender Axel Disasi is likely to leave Chelsea in January after failing to find a move away from the club this summer.
Disasi spent time on loan at Aston Villa last season (Photo: Paul Marriott/Alamy)
The Frenchman came close to joining Ligue 1 side AS Monaco on deadline day, but the move collapsed as Chelsea had already filled their quota of players out on loan at foreign clubs.
Nicolas Jackson’s late move to Bayern Munich on an initial season-long loan ended Disasi’s hopes of joining Monaco, the report claims.
Disasi, 27, joined the Blues from Monaco back in 2023 and has made more than 60 appearances for the West London outfit.
He fell out of favour under Maresca, and was sent on loan to Aston Villa at the start of the year, making ten appearances during his time at Villa Park.
The French defender, who has been omitted from Maresca’s Premier League squad list, has attracted interest from Premier League sides Crystal Palace and West Ham United, it is claimed.
Saudi Arabian side NEOM FC are also said to have identified the centre-back as a potential target.