Chelsea 'put £39m player on transfer list' with Enzo Maresca's mind already made up

Chelsea have decided to place a first team player on the transfer list ahead of the opening of the January transfer window, it has been reported.

The Blues had another busy summer in terms of both incomings and outgoings - though the main focus was on trimming a squad that featured a staggering 43 players on the day of their opening Premier League match against Manchester City.

Manager Enzo Maresca managed to successfully complete that task in what was his first biggest test as Chelsea boss, although some unwanted players such as Ben Chilwell - who wasn't registered in the Blues' Premier League squad - are still remain under contract.

Maresca has guided his trimmed-down squad to second place in the top flight at present, with the Blues just two points behind Liverpool having played a game more.

Chelsea players celebrate during their 2-1 win over Brentford (Image: Getty)

As a result, January is not expected to be a busy one at Stamford Bridge in comparison to previous windows, though a number of players could still leave the club.

And according to Spanish outlet Relevo, Chelsea have placed centre-back Axel Disasi on the transfer list ahead of a potential January sale.

The Frenchman has started just two Premier League games this season and has almost exclusively been used in domestic cups and the Conference League.

Chelsea spent £39 million to sign the 26-year-old from Monaco in 2023, and he was a regular starter under Mauricio Pochettino.

He produced a star performance in the Blues' 1-1 draw at Manchester City last season, but Maresca has preferred to use Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badashile over Disasi since taking charge.

Relevo claim that Chelsea will attempt to recoup as much of their initial fee that they can for the centre-back, with fellow Premier League side Newcastle believed to be interested.

Any funds could be spent on a new striker to compete with Nicolas Jackson, with Maresca indicating his desire to acquire a centre forward in August.