Chelsea are progressing plans to reduce their nine central defenders, with French defender Axel Disasi closing in on a loan move to Crystal Palace. The 28-year-old is in talks to join the South London club on a straightforward loan deal as Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso looks to slim down his squad before the summer transfer window closes.
Fellow French defender Benoit Badiashile, 25, is set to join Italian Serie A side Napoli on a £3.4 million loan that includes a £23 million purchase option. Alonso revealed during Chelsea's pre-season tour in Sydney, Australia, that he only wants "four or five" central defenders to work with for the upcoming campaign.
Chelsea sources say Tosin Adarabioyo is currently considered likely to leave Stamford Bridge in a permanent transfer. Several clubs in the Premier League and across Europe have expressed interest in the 28-year-old defender.
Insiders added that Josh Acheampong and Mamadou Sarr are under consideration to either stay with Chelsea or leave on loan. Cobham academy graduate Acheampong has attracted significant interest this summer, although Chelsea have consistently maintained that he is not up for sale.
Defensive options and injury status
Defender Aaron Anselmino previously appeared to be heading for another loan spell after spending time with Argentine side Boca Juniors, German club Borussia Dortmund, and French team Strasbourg. However, a hamstring problem picked up in pre-season has complicated his situation, and Chelsea have provided no update on his injury.
Chelsea's remaining central defenders include Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, both set to stay, along with Maxence Lacroix, who was signed this summer from Crystal Palace for £52 million. Dutch defender Jorrel Hato can also be used in central defence by Alonso, as well as at left back and left wing back.
Fofana finished Chelsea's pre-season tour having played more minutes than any other player under Alonso. However, he is serving a two-game suspension following a red card received in the final game of last season during a 2-1 loss to Sunderland. As a result, Fofana will miss Chelsea's Premier League opening fixture away at Fulham this Monday.
Squad reduction targets
When Alonso initially stated his preference for four or five central defenders, Chelsea had ten on their books. That number was reduced to nine following the sale of Trevoh Chalobah to Italian side Como, who are managed by former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
