Chelsea are continuing their brilliant start under Enzo Maresca this week after a thumping victory over Southampton on Wednesday night.
Five different goalscorers condemned the South Coast club to a 5-1 defeat at St Mary's Stadium and moved Chelsea above Arsenal into second. The Blues are now focussing fully on their derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday knowing that Ange Postecoglou's side are in low spirits following a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Thursday night.
Ahead of the game, football.london has taken a closer look at a couple of the stories floating around about Chelsea including the future of defender Axel Disasi and Kai Havertz's recent comments on leaving Stamford Bridge.
Maresca's mind made up on Disasi
According to TeamTalk, Maresca has decided that selling Disasi would be a wise option in the January transfer window. It is claimed the Italian deems Disasi as being limited and that he offers the potential to be sold for good money.
Disasi only joined Chelsea in 2023, signing a six-year deal at the time.
What FL says: Should this be Maresca's true thoughts on Disasi, it would not come as a surprise considering he is no stranger to declaring players as being out of his plans. As such a shame as it is to say it, sentimentality wins you nothing in football and if Maresca feels that Disasi can be upgraded upon or if the money accumulated from the sale can strengthen another area of the pitch, then it is the right call. However, creating an environment where players are fearful for their futures could back fire dramatically in the long run.
Havertz on his Chelsea exit
Speaking recently, Havertz insisted that leaving Chelsea in favour of Arsenal was one of the best decisions he has ever made. "For me, it's the best thing I could have done [joining Arsenal]," he told Sky Sports.
"I'm so happy with the support of everyone who helped me during my time there. I've only just started, and I hope to continue playing well and winning titles."