Aston Villa are reportedly targeting Chelsea players Axel Disasi and Joao Felix, while midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has attracted interest from both Porto and Juventus, as noted by TEAMtalk.
Disasi has been informed that he is free to leave Chelsea this month, with manager Enzo Maresca indicating that the French defender does not fit into his tactical plans. In a bid to strengthen their defensive line, Chelsea have recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace and are actively pursuing another centre-back, with potential targets including Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth.
The 26-year-old defender has caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe, including Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, and Atalanta. However, it appears that Disasi is keen to remain in the Premier League. Aston Villa began exploring the possibility of signing him on Sunday and have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms. The next step will involve negotiations between Chelsea and Villa to clarify the details of a potential transfer, with discussions ongoing about whether the deal will be a straightforward loan or include a buy option.
Disasi may soon be joined at Villa Park by fellow Chelsea player Felix. French journalist Fabrice Hawkins has reported that Aston Villa are “keen” on the Portuguese forward and have made “direct contact” with Chelsea regarding his transfer. While other clubs have shown interest, Villa seem well-positioned to secure Felix's signature. Football journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Villa manager Unai Emery holds Felix in high regard and is eager to facilitate a late deal.
Sources have indicated to TEAMtalk that Chelsea are looking to offload Felix on a loan basis with an obligation to buy, with the permanent transfer fee likely set around £40 million (€33.5 million / $41.7 million).
Meanwhile, Chukwuemeka, who has also fallen out of favour with Maresca, is drawing interest from Porto, who are keen to acquire him on loan. Juventus have also engaged in discussions with Chelsea regarding the midfielder as part of their negotiations for Renato Veiga, who has recently joined the Italian side on loan. Alternatively, Chukwuemeka may remain in England, with Everton emerging as a potential destination. Chelsea have indicated to Everton that they must accept another outcast, such as Chukwuemeka or Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, if they wish to terminate Armando Broja's loan.
In related transfer news, Manchester United find themselves in a favourable position to secure Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku, as Bayern Munich's interest has reportedly diminished. Although Bayern have reached personal terms with Nkunku, they are hesitant to meet Chelsea's £70 million asking price. United could potentially offer the French forward a loan opportunity for the remainder of the season, allowing him to escape a bench role at Chelsea.
Chelsea, for their part, are eyeing a move for United's Alejandro Garnacho as a replacement for players like Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk. Football pundit Gary Neville has shared his thoughts on a potential swap deal involving Garnacho and Nkunku, stating, “I don't get it for United. Nkunku's hardly kicked a ball; he obviously had the injury when he first came in but he's struggled to get going at Chelsea. I'm not saying Garnacho is the best player in the world and that he needs to stay at Manchester United. If they get good money for him then okay that might work. But to swap him for Nkunku, I have to say that doesn't feel like a move I would do if I was Manchester United. I can see why you would do it if you were Chelsea.”
As the transfer window progresses, Aston Villa's pursuit of Chelsea's talents could significantly enhance their squad, while the futures of Chukwuemeka and others remain uncertain amidst the shifting dynamics of the Premier League.