Chelsea have had a rocky start to the 2025/26 campaign as they suffered a few rough defeats but right before the international break they bounced back with a late-gasp winner against Liverpool.
The win over the reigning Premier League champions have instilled a different kind of motivation and Enzo Maresca will hope that this would spur them on in the upcoming matches.
Chelsea's struggles this season has revolved around injuries and suspensions which has been a major headache for Maresca in managing his roster.
Despite their topsy-turvy form this season, Axel Disasi, who is considered surplus to requirements for Chelsea and Maresca was not used even once even then whey had issues in defense with multiple absentees.
The Frenchman had spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, and he is eagerly looking to leave Stamford Bridge next summer.
According to reports on BILD, Borussia Dortmund have identified Disasi as their primary summer target if Nico Schlotterbeck decides to move on.
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Schlotterbeck's current contract is expiring in 2027 and given he is not looking to extend, Dortmund will be forced to sell him next summer and they already looking for alternatives.
Why are Dortmund chasing Chelsea defender Disasi?
Disasi joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023 and was considered a top talent as the West London outfit paid €45m ($52m) for the French centre-back.
He featured in as many as 44 matches in his first season at Stamford Bridge, but things turned sour in his second season as he has grown out of favour with Maresca and is reportedly the last choice centre-back at the club.
Due to multiple unavailable defenders in recent matches, many people felt Disasi would get an opportunity to feature but Maresca maintained his stance and the 27-year-old was never even included in the matchday squad.
He had a good stint at Aston Villa last season on loan and was on the verge of leaving West London this summer but eventually the move didn't happen.
Currently, Disasi and Raheem Sterling have been forced to train alone as they have been clearly told that they are not needed at Chelsea.
Therefore, a move to Dortmund, if it materializes would be a great move for all the parties as Disasi is eager to start games again.
Dortmund manager Niko Kovac is a big admirer of the French defender and is keen to bring him to Bundesliga as Schlotterbeck's alternative.
Disasi played under Kovac during their time at Monaco and he has had good memories with the Croatian manager. So, he is definitely open to a switch after a tough period at Chelsea.
Overall, Disasi could bring leadership, tactical awareness, composure and physicality to Dortmund's backline if the move goes through
An ideal scenario for Dortmund will be extending Schlotterbeck's contract for long term but with clubs like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Liverpool eyeing a move for the 25-year-old, chances are bleak.
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