Chelsea’s new manager, Liam Rosenior, says he will speak to Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, who have been left out of the main squad as part of the so-called ‘bomb squad’.
The 41-year-old, who replaced Enzo Maresca last week, is settling into his role and prioritising conversations with Sterling and Disasi. Both players, who joined Chelsea in the 2023-24 season for £47.5m and £38.5m respectively, are training separately from the first team and remain on the transfer list, having turned down loan moves last summer.
Rosenior said: “I will have conversations with them. Raheem’s had an outstanding career. Axel is someone I’ve really liked as a player for a long time. I need to talk to them and the club in the next few days.”
Sterling has been linked with Napoli, while Roma and Lyon are interested in Disasi. Chelsea can only loan out six players abroad at a time, so one player would need to leave to allow either move.
Rosenior also highlighted his focus on the players already at the club, saying he was impressed with performances against Charlton and wants to assess his squad before making any immediate decisions. Chelsea plan bigger signings in the summer, targeting attackers and centre-backs.
Recent targets have included Antoine Semenyo, Dean Huijsen, Jeremy Jacquet, Kenan Yildiz, Djylian N’Guessan, and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo. Other options could be considered if current players like Romeo Lavia face injuries or Tyrique George moves on loan or is sold.
Chelsea remain under UEFA transfer restrictions this January but will have more freedom next season, when the Premier League introduces new Squad Cost Control rules. The club has already lined up several signings for next season, including Geovany Quenda, Emanuel Emegha, Dastan Satapayev, Denner Evangelista, and Deinner Ordonez. Players currently out on loan, like Aaron Anselmino, Mike Penders, Mamadou Sarr, and Kendry Paez, are also highly regarded by Rosenior.
