NEOM SC are ready to rival Bournemouth for the signature of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, according to a report.
The France international is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the 1 September deadline, having spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.
Disasi has had an up-and-down two years at Chelsea following his €45 million transfer from Monaco in 2023, and he has failed to win over Enzo Maresca after initially getting regular minutes under Mauricio Pochettino.
The 27-year-old recently went viral on social media as he offered a glimpse behind the scenes of Chelsea’s ‘Bomb Squad.’ The post showed Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu, who have since joined Burnley, and a dejected-looking Alfie Gilchrist in a small, barren dressing room away from the rest of the squad.
Earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano reported that Disasi has emerged as a top target for Bournemouth, who are desperate to strengthen their backline after losing three of their four starters to bigger clubs this summer.
Disasi exit inching closer
However, according to Foot Mercato, Bournemouth are not the only side interested in the versatile defender. The French outlet claims that ambitious Saudi side NEOM SC are also keen on Disasi.
The promoted side have been able to invest heavily in new players, primarily French-speakers, this summer thanks to their seemingly limitless funds. NEOM are the sports team of the Saudi government’s eponymous trillion-dollar urban construction project.
The Pro League outfit have appointed controversial ex-PSG boss Christophe Galtier as their new head coach and they are now said to be preparing a formal offer for Disasi.
Fortunately for Bournemouth, the report adds that Disasi has no interest in moving to the Middle East at this stage of his career. The Cherries therefore appear to be the favourites for his signature.
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