Sunderland are ready to make a formal offer for Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi, journalist Fabrice Hawkins has revealed.
The Stadium of Light side have reportedly identified the five-cap France international as another potential reinforcement to their defensive options and are aiming to step up their pursuit in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Disasi has no shortage of suitors ahead of the deadline, with at least four top clubs said to be monitoring his situation, including Bournemouth.
According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano, the Cherries are in advanced talks to sign the 27-year-old, with club-to-club discussions ongoing over the deal structure.
Disasi has no future at Stamford Bridge under head coach Enzo Maresca and spent the second part of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he made 10 appearances.
Sunderland Join Race for Axel Disasi
Axel Disasi for Aston Villa
According to Hawkins, Sunderland are ready to send a formal bid for Disasi ahead of the transfer deadline, while Bournemouth are prepared to offer a loan with an option to buy the 27-year-old.
Disasi, who joined Chelsea from Monaco in the summer of 2023, made 61 appearances during his time at Stamford Bridge, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
The 'monster' 27-year-old has four years remaining on his initial six-year contract, reportedly worth £40,000 per week.
He is among several players Chelsea are hoping to offload before the September 1 deadline, along with the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Tyrique George.
Sunderland are one of the top spending clubs in Europe this summer, having splashed out over £140m on 12 new arrivals.
The Stadium of Light side bolstered their defensive options with the arrivals of Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava and Arthur Masuaku, and are showing no signs of slowing down during the final week of the window.
According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland are also trying to sign Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, but are facing a difficult pursuit, with the Serie A club not keen on a late sale.
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