Dortmund to use relationship for Chelsea star | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund considering move for Chelsea defender in January

Dortmund strengthen ties with Chelsea

Borussia Dortmund are exploring the possibility of adding another Chelsea player to their ranks when the January transfer window opens. The Bundesliga side, who have built a strong working relationship with the Blues in recent seasons, are reportedly eyeing a deal for defender Axel Disasi, according to Sports Mole.

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The clubs have already conducted several successful transfers. Ian Maatsen’s loan spell last season helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final, while Carney Chukwuemeka made his move to Germany permanent after impressing in Europe. Most recently, Aaron Anselmino joined the Bundesliga club on loan, continuing a pattern of mutual benefit between the two teams.

“Dortmund officials and head coach Niko Kovac are now interested in attracting another Blues player to Germany,” BILD reported, suggesting that the 27-year-old Frenchman is now on Dortmund’s transfer shortlist.

Defender out of Chelsea’s plans

Disasi has found himself out of favour under Enzo Maresca, who has made it clear that the centre-back will not be reintegrated into his first-team plans. The French international, once a key figure at Monaco and a regular for his country, has struggled to find rhythm at Stamford Bridge amid tactical changes and intense competition for places.

“Chelsea are ready to listen to all proposals for the former Monaco man,” the report stated, with Dortmund viewing the situation as an opportunity to strike what they consider a “bargain” deal. A loan move is reportedly off the table due to Chelsea having reached their foreign loan quota, meaning any January transfer would likely be permanent.

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Potential opportunity in Germany

While Disasi turned down several Premier League offers in the summer, he has made no secret of his wish to return to Monaco. “I was holding out for a return to Monaco,” he admitted after the window closed. However, with Monaco now under new management, a revival of that interest looks uncertain.

At Dortmund, Disasi would face competition for game time but could still find opportunity. With Nico Schlotterbeck potentially departing in the coming transfer windows, the German club see the Frenchman as a ready-made replacement who could adapt quickly to Niko Kovac’s defensive system.

Bargain hunt and long-term planning

Dortmund’s recruitment strategy continues to centre on undervalued talent from Europe’s elite leagues. Their pursuit of Disasi fits that mould perfectly: an experienced international available at a reduced fee and eager for a fresh start. For Chelsea, it represents a chance to trim the squad and refocus on players aligned with Maresca’s philosophy.

Both clubs could view this potential transfer as a calculated move that serves their immediate and long-term ambitions.

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Some will see Dortmund’s interest as a logical next step for a player who has slipped down the pecking order, while others may feel Disasi never truly received a fair chance to prove himself under Enzo Maresca. His aerial strength and composure under pressure were evident in flashes last season, but inconsistency and tactical mismatches limited his impact.

Fans who value experience may argue that Chelsea are taking a risk by letting another senior defender leave mid-season, particularly when the squad’s youthful core has yet to fully settle. However, the club’s focus on streamlining wages and maintaining balance means a sale makes practical sense.

If Dortmund do pursue a deal, supporters will likely wish Disasi well, much as they did with Ian Maatsen. The Bundesliga club have proven a reliable environment for rejuvenating careers, and this could be another case of a Chelsea player thriving away from Stamford Bridge.

Ultimately, this move would underline Chelsea’s transition under Maresca, prioritising flexibility, financial control and players fully suited to his system. For Disasi, it could be the platform to relaunch a career that still holds untapped promise.