Bournemouth are in advanced talks with Chelsea to sign French defender Axel Disasi before the transfer deadline.
The 27-year-old centre-back has become a key target for Andoni Iraola’s side as they look to reinforce their defence late in the window.
Fabrizio Romano reports that direct contact has already taken place between the two clubs, with negotiations ongoing over the structure of the deal.
Bournemouth are said to be confident of reaching an agreement, while Chelsea remain open to a sale.
Disasi joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023 for around £39m and signed a six-year deal, but he has failed to establish himself as a first-choice defender at Stamford Bridge.
He made 29 Premier League starts in his debut season and featured 61 times overall, scoring five goals and registering two assists.
The Frenchman spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he played seven times in the Premier League.
Despite injuries in Chelsea’s backline, including a setback for Levi Colwill, Disasi has not been considered part of Enzo Maresca’s plans.
The manager has instead prioritised other defensive options, leaving Disasi among the group of players deemed surplus to requirements.
Last week, the former Monaco man posted training photos on Instagram from Chelsea’s so-called ‘bomb squad,’ a term used to describe players outside the first-team picture.
Bournemouth’s pursuit comes after a summer of changes in their defensive unit.
The Cherries have lost Dean Huijsen and Illya Zabarnyi, while left-back Milos Kerkez has also departed, leaving Iraola short of depth.
Disasi’s experience and physical presence are seen as crucial assets as Bournemouth look to stabilise their backline.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are continuing a major squad clear-out.
The club have already sold 16 players this summer, generating close to £270m in revenue, and are aiming for further departures before the deadline.
Maresca’s side are targeting reinforcements in attacking areas, including RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.
The Blues are not expected to move for a new central defender despite Colwill’s injury, with internal solutions likely to be explored instead.
Disasi, who has five caps for France, is now weighing up the chance to revive his career with regular minutes at Bournemouth.
Napoli have also shown interest, but a Premier League stay appears more likely at this stage.
Both clubs are working to finalise terms quickly, with Bournemouth hopeful of closing the deal before the window shuts.