Chelsea frustrations to grow as FIFA rules could block Axel Disasi January exit
Chelsea may struggle to get rid of “bomb squad” member Axel Disasi despite interest from abroad in the centre-back.
Despite a crushing injury blow to Levi Colwill at the beginning of the campaign, the 27-year-old has not been able to reclaim a spot in the senior team, being forced to train with the youngsters instead.
Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that Chelsea would accept a deal for Disasi amid interest from West Ham, with several European clubs keeping tabs on the centre-half’s situation.
Alongside the Frenchman, Raheem Sterling is also exit-bound at Stamford Bridge, at least if clubs can afford his wages, and the Blues will want to get the duo out as soon as possible.
FIFA rules could force Chelsea to keep hold of Axel Disasi
According to BBC Sport (23 December), AS Roma have expressed an interest in signing Disasi, with the defender available for temporary or permanent exits ahead of the January transfer window.
However, the Blues have already filled all six of their permitted international loan spots, which is a limit for overseas moves set by FIFA, handing all parties a setback ahead of next month.
While Premier League clubs are also keeping an eye on Disasi, a number of European teams continue to pop up with new interest, but that is one avenue that cannot be explored if they only want a loan deal.
To make matters even more difficult, Disasi is believed to prefer a move abroad, so unless one comes in with a permanent offer, Maresca could be stuck with the defender banging on the doors at Cobham Training Centre.
Raheem Sterling also faces an uncertain future after Chelsea snub
Much like Disasi, Sterling has not featured for the first team since May, playing 63 minutes of a 2-1 win over Southampton, and that was during his season-long loan at Arsenal.
Leeds United are favourites for Sterling’s signature ahead of the January window, with the attacker’s career coming to a very sorry end after memorable spells at Liverpool and Man City.
With Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Jorrel Hato, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, and Josh Acheampong all available, the manager will never be short of options at the back.
That is only bad news for Disasi because, if he is unable to strike a deal for a move away, the club will have to continue paying his wages while he does very little on the sidelines to earn it.