Fifth Chelsea player pushes for exit as huge January transfer exodus continues

Axel Disasi becomes the latest Chelsea player to enter the exit door at Stamford Bridge this month.

The Frenchman joined the Blues in 2023 on a £39million contract but has struggled to establish himself under Enzo Maresca. Although he captained the team in the Europa Conference League, Disasi has only made five appearances in the Premier League.

In his last two appearances he has played out of position at right back, with his last start coming in the dismal 2-0 defeat to struggling Ipswich. Maresca opted to leave Disasi on the bench for the draw against Crystal Palace.

The 26-year-old was recalled to the team for hammering Morecambe in the FA Cup third round, playing all 90 minutes. But it now appears that Disasi has joined the 'bomb squad' at Blues.

Disasi is expected to be left out of the squad that plays Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday. The Frenchman has held talks with club chiefs and is now preparing to leave Stamford Bridge.

A number of clubs are already considering a move for him, with Disasi set to join the exodus away from Stamford Bridge. Disasi will look for an exit together with Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei, Renato Veiga and Ben Chilwell.

Disasi is already in the interest of one top club. Reports in Italy claim that Juventus are preparing a move for the Frenchman as they look to strengthen their defensive options.

Juve are said to see Disasi as a 'very versatile' player, with Chelsea said to be willing to agree to a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy if he plays a certain number of games. The Series A giants are still evaluating the merits of a move.

Club chiefs believe Disasi could be a 'very useful wildcard' for boss Thiago Motta. Juve has had a mixed season, with the club sitting fifth in Serie A, fourteen points behind leaders Napoli.

Maresca has been criticized for the way he has used Disasi this season. After the defeat at Ipswich, Blues icon John Obi Mikel was hit out for the decision to play him at right-back.

He told his podcast: “Why does Disasi play right back when you have three right backs on the bench? The manager must take responsibility for dropped points. I have no idea why the manager sometimes abandons his enthusiasm and puts Disasi at right back.”

Due to injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, Maresca has few defensive options. The Blues will look to revive their title bid against the Cherries on Tuesday after slipping to fourth in the Premier League.