When Enzo Maresca arrived at Chelsea in 2024, one of his biggest early challenges was trimming a massively bloated squad.
In doing so, he created what quickly became known as the “bomb squad” — a group of unwanted or out-of-favour players separated from first-team training while the club attempted to find them new homes.
The situation drew widespread criticism as several players were left in limbo.
Some eventually moved on, such as Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Lesley Ugochukwu and Djordje Petrovic, while others — including Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, and Axel Disasi — remain on Chelsea’s books to this day.
Now, it appears West Ham are keeping a close eye on one of them.
West Ham Monitoring Disasi
Axel Disasi. (REUTERS/Jaimi Joy)
Axel Disasi. (REUTERS/Jaimi Joy)
According to reports, multiple clubs are preparing to make concrete approaches for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi ahead of the January window.
Despite being under contract until 2029, the Frenchman’s future at Stamford Bridge looks uncertain, with the 27-year-old not playing for Chelsea’s first team at all this season and recently featuring for the club’s under-21s.
The Blues are believed to be open to offers.
Borussia Dortmund are among the most active suitors, viewing Disasi as an ideal fit thanks to his physicality, aerial presence and ability to play out from the back. But they aren’t the only ones monitoring developments.
Sources have told CaughtOffside that Galatasaray, Juventus, Newcastle United, and West Ham United are all tracking the 26-year-old as they explore experienced defensive options.
Newcastle and West Ham see Disasi as a ready-made Premier League defender capable of slotting straight in, with the Hammers said to be able to offer Disasi “regular opportunities.”
For West Ham — still working to tighten up defensively under Nuno Espírito Santo — a player with Disasi’s profile and experience could become a realistic mid-season option, especially if Chelsea push to offload members of Maresca’s “bomb squad” once and for all.