Chelsea get solution for major Maresca headache as January transfer talks confirmed

Robin Bairner

6 Dec 2025 10:44 GMT
3 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca stands on the verge of receiving some welcome news ahead of the January transfer window, with a problem that has been dogging him for months potentially resolved.

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The Blues continue to be one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, and while their January may be quieter than usual, there is at least one big issue that Maresca is eager to resolve.

While the transfer policy of BlueCo has been widely praised thanks to Chelsea’s improved performance this season, its limitations have been exposed when big-money signings have failed to live up to expectations.

Current ETV

Axel Disasi

D (CR)

Chelsea

Axel Disasi

D (CR)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€22.3M - €27.3M

The Stamford Bridge outfit have been saddled with unwelcome flops like Mykhailo Mudryk and Axel Disasi. The former is currently suspended due to a failed doping test, while the France defender is frozen out of the first team squad and is clearly surplus to requirements.

Maresca has been given an unexpected opportunity to resolve his Disasi dilemma, though.

The former Monaco defender played for the U21 side in the Premier League International Cup against PSG in midweek but struggled to cope with the young Parisians, underlining just how out of shape he is at the moment.

Lyon eye loan move for Disasi

Chelsea have been given a welcome opening to offload Disasi on loan in January, potentially getting him back up to speed and making him a sellable asset come the summer.

Ligue 1 side Lyon are ready to take a gamble on the 27-year-old, L’Equipe reports. OL are in dire straits ahead of the January window, with regular centre-backs Clinton Mata and Moussa Niakhate both departing for AFCON. With Ruben Kluivert currently out injured, there is a clear lack of depth in this area, which is a problem Disasi could solve.

Lyon are said to be exploring multiple options.

What the deal would mean for Chelsea

Chelsea need Disasi off their books as he is currently earning around €5 million (£4m) per season for having no impact on the first team.

He is under contract until June 2029, giving the Blues a major headache as finding a club willing to match his wages promises to be onerous.

While the Blues are in the market for additional cover at centre-back, Disasi’s sale is unlikely to facilitate a January move for a new signing given Maresca is limited by the Premier League squad size.

If Chelsea are to sign a new centre-back, they will likely also need to offload one of their current first-team players, although getting Disasi’s wages off their books would certainly help fund a deal.

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