AFC Bournemouth have entered direct discussions with Chelsea over a possible deal for French defender Axel Disasi, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
Andoni Iraola’s team suffered a heavy four-two defeat against Liverpool in their opening match. That result highlighted their urgent need for reinforcements at the back.
The South Coast Club have already lost three key defenders from last season. Dean Huijsen has joined Real Madrid, Milos Kerkez has moved to Liverpool, and Ilya Zabarnyi has signed for Paris Saint-Germain.
These departures have left Bournemouth short of options in defence. The club’s management are therefore determined to bring in experienced players before the transfer window closes.
Disasi on Bournemouth’s radar
Reports suggest Bournemouth are weighing up a loan deal with an option to buy for Disasi. Initial talks have already taken place between the two clubs.
Negotiations have also started with the player himself, who is open to exploring his next move.
Disasi spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa. While he featured regularly at Villa Park, Chelsea remain open to letting him leave again this summer.
The 27-year-old joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023 for around €45 million. Despite the sizeable fee, he has found it difficult to hold down a consistent role at Stamford Bridge.
Disasi is a right-sided centre back with a reputation for being strong and assertive. He is comfortable in both a back three or a back four system.
He is particularly effective when defending deep, using his long reach to win tackles and clear danger. His physical strength and aerial presence also make him a threat during set pieces in the opponent’s box.
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Although he reads the game well, his lack of pace can leave him exposed against fast attackers. This is an area that has drawn criticism in recent seasons.
Bournemouth see his qualities as a valuable addition to their squad. With their defensive depth reduced, Disasi has emerged as one of their priority targets in the market.