Saudi club NEOM target Chelsea ace Axel Disasi | OneFootball

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has emerged as a target for Saudi Pro League (SPL) club NEOM (h/t Foot Mercato).

The SPL outfit have been busy reshaping their squad, sealing deals for Alexandre Lacazette, Marcin Bulka, Nathan Zeze, Saimon Bouabre, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Amadou Kone.

Adding a proven central defender is the next step on their agenda, and the Chelsea ace is high on their shortlist.

However, the 27-year-old is not interested in a move to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career.

Having joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023, Disasi has bagged five goals and two assists in 61 appearances in all competitions.

Unfortunately, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is not his biggest fan.

Maresca allowed him to join Aston Villa on loan for the second half of last season, where he featured 10 times. Villa decided not to sign him permanently.

Even with Maresca looking for a new defender to add to his ranks this summer, he is not considering Disasi.

Several Premier League clubs are closely monitoring his situation, viewing him as a cost-effective defensive option with top-flight and European experience.

Bournemouth and Sunderland have been credited with serious interest. Newcastle United briefly looked his way, but it remains unclear where he will end up next.

While NEOM’s financial muscle is unquestionable, all signs currently point towards Disasi remaining in England if he leaves Stamford Bridge.