Chelsea are edging closer to trimming their defensive ranks, with AFC Bournemouth now in explorative talks over a deal for centre-back Axel Disasi. The south-coast club have opened discussions with both Chelsea and the player, aiming for a loan move with an option to buy before the transfer window shuts.
Bournemouth push for defensive reinforcements
Bournemouth have made defensive cover a priority after losing Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi this summer, and they’ve already secured Bafode Diakite. The Cherries now want further stability at the back and see Disasi as a Premier League-ready solution. Negotiations are progressing with Chelsea, who remain open to letting Disasi leave, and personal talks are also underway with the 26-year-old.
Disasi joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023 for £38.5 million but has struggled to secure a consistent starting role. He spent part of last season on loan at Aston Villa, and Maresca notably left him out of recent squad selections. Bournemouth view him as a player who could slot into Andoni Iraola’s system immediately.
🔴⚫EXCL: Bournemouth are intensifying negotiations with Chelsea for Axel Disasi, with a transfer fee of around £20 million under discussion. pic.twitter.com/AmxxzfIjSx
— Aarón Ramiro (@AaronHRamiro) August 21, 2025
Chelsea’s strategy to clear the ‘Bomb Squad’
The media calls several high-profile Chelsea players the ‘Bomb Squad,’ putting the club under pressure to offload them. The club has already moved on Renato Veiga and others, while stars such as Nkunku, Sterling, Jackson, and Chilwell also face uncertain futures. Losing Disasi would lighten the wage bill, free up room for newcomers and provide Chelsea with some tactical flexibility in the final days of the window.
On top of that, Chelsea are also desperate not to make the same mistakes of recent windows by allowing fringe players to remain at the club when they are barely needed. The board is determined to streamline the squad, focusing on younger prospects while ensuring experienced names find opportunities elsewhere before deadline day.
Author’s View
A move to Bournemouth could be the reset Disasi needs. At Chelsea, he no longer contributes significantly, despite being a big signing. Bournemouth offer minutes, stability, and a clear role—elements he has lacked at Stamford Bridge. For Chelsea, this is another step in reshaping a bloated squad.