Bournemouth have started the 2025/26 season well, giving Liverpool a tough battle away at Anfield (though conceding two late goals) and beating Wolves 1-0 at home. However, with many outgoings this summer, the Cherries still need to bring in some reinforcements, particularly defensively. Bournemouth are reportedly in advanced talks for Axel Disasi from Chelsea.
Bournemouth Closing In On Much-Needed Defensive Reinforcement
Cherries Confident to Sign Axel Disasi
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that AFC Bournemouth are now in “advanced talks” for Disasi, after making direct contact with Chelsea. Alex Crook had reported earlier this week that he was one of a few names on a shortlist for the Cherries.
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The two clubs are now negotiating on a “final formula” to get this move over the line, with Chelsea wanting to get the Frenchman off their books, whilst Bournemouth need some defensive depth quickly. Disasi is the “clear top target” for the South Coast outfit, who are “confident” that they can make this deal happen.
Why Disasi Is a Positive Signing Despite Critics
Despite Andoni Iraola already having new signing Bafode Diakite alongside Marcos Senesi as a strong centre-back pairing, the signing of Disasi is still an important reinforcement to make. After Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi departed earlier this summer, Bournemouth were left with very few options at centre-back.
After Senesi and Diakite, James Hill is first back-up, who only has around 500 Premier League minutes of experience (though has looked exciting thus far). Leeds have also shown an interest in the Englishman, though they have now signed James Justin from Leicester City. Behind Hill, there are no other real centre-backs in the squad. Going from three highly-talented centre-backs in Senesi, Zabarnyi, and Huijsen last campaign, to Senesi, Diakite (who is unproven in England as of yet), and the inexperienced Hill is not ideal.
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Furthermore, Disasi is capable of playing at right-back. Adam Smith is ageing, and despite him showing no signs of stopping just yet, he may struggle with fatigue this season. Meanwhile, Julian Araujo hasn’t impressed in his first year in England, and Max Aarons is on loan at Rangers. Hill can also play there, but as mentioned, is providing cover at centre-half and also linked with Leeds. This signing should provide some much-needed defensive depth across the back-line.
Whilst the Frenchman has had his critics in West London, he was clearly a talented player at AS Monaco and could well rediscover this form under Iraola. Bournemouth have been exceptional at developing exciting signings from European clubs in recent years, and Disasi was exactly that when he signed for Chelsea. Cherries fans shouldn’t feel too dismayed about this move.
