Wantaway Chelsea star may get wish with Lyon | OneFootball

Axel Disasi Emerges as Key Target as Lyon Test Chelsea Resolve

Lyon’s winter planning has accelerated as the French club brace for a challenging period without two senior defenders. With Clinton Mata and Moussa Niakhaté set for AFCON duty, the recruitment team have moved quickly to identify reinforcements capable of stepping straight into Paulo Fonseca’s starting side. Among the options under review, Axel Disasi has become a prominent name under discussion as Chelsea continue to keep the defender on the periphery.

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Chelsea Stand-Off Opens Door for Lyon Approach

Disasi, capped five times by France, has endured a difficult spell at Chelsea. Despite his long-term deal running until 2029, he has been sidelined throughout the current campaign, falling out of favour and training away from the first-team picture. That situation has not gone unnoticed across Europe, and Lyon are one of several clubs exploring an opportunity to prise the 27-year-old away from Stamford Bridge.

Initial contact has been made in recent days, with Lyon enquiring about a potential loan for the remainder of the season. The structure is attractive from their perspective: minimal long-term risk, immediate cover during a crucial mid-season stretch, and the chance to revive a player whose profile, physique and experience are well aligned with Fonseca’s system.

Chelsea, however, are weighing up their options. While a loan is possible, the London side are believed to be open to discussing permanent offers should a suitable proposal emerge. Other suitors are also monitoring Disasi’s situation, increasing the likelihood of transfer movement as January approaches.

Lyon’s Defensive Priorities Intensify Ahead of AFCON

Fonseca faces a demanding schedule from late December to mid-January as Lyon compete without two established starters. The recruitment team had already been working on attacking reinforcements — including a loan for Brazilian forward Endrick — but defensive additions have now become the club’s most urgent priority.

Disasi is viewed as a potential plug-and-play solution, though the club are cautious. His lack of minutes this season raises concerns about match sharpness, and Lyon’s requirement is immediate reliability rather than long-term development. The coaching staff must therefore decide whether the upside of his ability outweighs the risk of him needing weeks to regain rhythm.

Lyon Assess Fitness Questions as Talks Continue

While discussions have progressed positively, Lyon have not yet committed to advancing the move. Disasi’s form and readiness remain central to the decision. Fonseca values defenders who can impose themselves early in matches through assured positioning and physicality — traits Disasi possesses at his peak, but ones that may take time to re-emerge after months without competitive action.

Chelsea’s stance adds another layer to negotiations. If the Premier League side prefer a permanent exit, Lyon may face competition from clubs with stronger financial leverage. Even so, the Ligue 1 club continue to explore the feasibility of a deal as they look to protect their season from a destabilising defensive shortage.

January Window Poised for Further Movement

With the transfer window nearing and multiple clubs preparing to strengthen, Disasi’s situation is shaping up as one of January’s more intriguing storylines. For Lyon, the need is clear, and their interest genuine. For Chelsea, the question is whether a temporary or permanent solution best aligns with their long-term planning. And for the player himself, a mid-season move could provide the platform to reset his career after a challenging period in London.