Journalist Fabrizio Romano has played down rumours that Chelsea defender Axel Disasi could leave Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window.

The France international only made the switch to the Blues from Monaco for £39m in the summer, but there are claims that Bayern Munich could make an offer for the player. Writing in his Daily Briefing Substack column, Romano said he has heard nothing regarding Disasi’s potential departure:

“I have to say I’m not aware of anything changing with Axel Disasi’s situation, despite rumours that he could already be a candidate to leave the club in January.”

“Disasi only joined in the summer but is already being linked with Bayern Munich, though I still think the likely defender to leave Chelsea is Trevoh Chalobah for the January window. Chelsea are looking at centre-backs but I’d not link that to Disasi.”

Pochettino has started Disasi on a regular basis since the start of the season

It would be a huge shock if the centre-back was sold next month, considering manager Mauricio Pochettino has named him in his starting eleven in nearly every game this campaign.

Out of the 19 fixtures in both league and cup, Disasi has started 17 of them, which suggests he is a key part of the current Chelsea boss’s plans.

Who could leave Chelsea in January?

As Romano mentions, Trevoh Chalobah is one of the main candidates to be sold if a buyer can be found, but there are other players who will be deemed surplus to requirements.

Fullback Ian Maatsen will be made available for transfer, as will Malang Sarr. There are also reports that Noni Madueke could be allowed to go on loan.

Despite being a regular starter himself, there is still uncertainty surrounding the future of Conor Gallagher, who has yet to sign a new contract despite having just 18 months left on his current deal.