Key Points:
- West Ham United have approached Chelsea regarding the availability of French defender Axel Disasi.
- The enquiry was first reported by The Times journalist Gary Jacob.
- Disasi, 27, has not featured for Chelsea this season and has been training with the youth team.
- West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo is actively seeking a new centre-back to bolster the squad.
- The Hammers previously made an attempt to sign Disasi on loan last summer, which he rejected.
- West Ham have one remaining domestic loan spot following the temporary signing of Igor Julio from Brighton.
- Disasi is reportedly open to leaving Chelsea this January after being excluded from first-team plans.
- The defender has represented France five times and is keen to revive his playing career.
- Chelsea remain open to offers as they continue restructuring under Mauricio Pochettino.
- West Ham must act decisively as the winter transfer window nears its closing stages.
West Ham United have initiated contact with Chelsea to explore a possible deal for French defender Axel Disasi, according to The Times journalist Gary Jacob, who revealed that the East London side are scouting potential reinforcements in central defence during the January transfer window.
The approach, which follows an unsuccessful summer attempt to secure the 27-year-old on loan, comes amid growing urgency within the West Ham camp as manager Nuno Espírito Santo aims to solidify his defensive line for the remainder of the Premier League season.
Why are West Ham interested in Axel Disasi?
As reported by Gary Jacob in The Times, Nuno Espírito Santo has identified strengthening the defence as a top priority following inconsistent performances from his current centre-back options. With the Hammers battling to secure mid-table stability and avoid slipping closer to the relegation zone, the club’s hierarchy believes that the addition of a physically strong and experienced defender could prove crucial.
Disasi, who joined Chelsea from AS Monaco in 2023 for a reported fee of around £38 million, made an immediate impression under former manager Mauricio Pochettino but has since fallen out of favour. The France international has not made a single first-team appearance this season and has instead been training with Chelsea’s development squad.
According to Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, Disasi’s earlier displays were “a John Terry performance,” in reference to his robust defensive style and composure under pressure—a comment that underlines the level of quality West Ham are eyeing.
What happened with Axel Disasi’s situation at Chelsea?
Disasi’s current status at Stamford Bridge reflects the broader transitional phase at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino, whose restructuring efforts have left several senior players on the fringes.
As reported by The Standard, both Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr have also been made available for transfer, signalling a continued clear-out of defensive personnel.
According to reports in The Guardian, Disasi’s exclusion stems not from disciplinary issues but from tactical preferences and squad depth concerns, with younger talents stepping up in his absence. The 27-year-old, who was once viewed as a long-term defensive option, has been limited to training with the youth side and is expected to seek new opportunities before the end of the window.
In an earlier interview during his time at Monaco, Disasi had emphasised his hunger for regular football and his desire to play in “an environment that pushes [him] to improve every day.” His current lack of game time at Chelsea sharply contrasts that ambition.
Could West Ham secure Disasi on loan?
West Ham’s financial and squad dynamics could make a loan move a more realistic option than a permanent transfer. As reported by Gary Jacob of The Times, the club still have one domestic loan slot available after acquiring Igor Julio from Brighton & Hove Albion on a temporary basis last summer.
However, the Brazilian defender has made minimal impact—starting only once and making three substitute appearances—raising questions about whether the club might cancel his deal to free up space for a player like Disasi who can contribute more immediately.
Football.London has noted that Nuno Espírito Santo prefers defenders who combine tactical discipline with athletic strength, both of which Disasi possesses. A short-term loan with an option to buy could therefore satisfy both clubs: Chelsea could offload wages and West Ham could assess Disasi’s performance before committing long-term.
What are Axel Disasi’s credentials?
A native of Gonesse, France, Disasi began his professional career at Paris FC before excelling at Stade de Reims, where his commanding presence caught the attention of Ligue 1 giants Monaco. His rise through the ranks eventually earned him five caps for the French national team, including appearances under Didier Deschamps.
Disasi participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad for France, serving as a backup defender but gaining valuable experience at the highest level.
As noted by BBC Sport, his physical prowess, ability to read the game, and composure under pressure make him an appealing target for Premier League clubs seeking reliable defensive options.
Despite his struggles at Chelsea, many analysts believe the Frenchman still has much to offer. Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher previously lauded his potential, describing him as “a defender with proper old-school traits but modern agility.”
Such qualities align with the style of play Nuno Espírito Santo is known to favour—disciplined defensive structures combined with quick transitions forward.
How would Disasi fit into Nuno Espírito Santo’s system?
Under Nuno’s management, West Ham are expected to adopt a pragmatic approach, prioritising compact defence and structured build-up play. This tactical philosophy could suit Disasi, who excels in aerial duels and positional awareness.
According to tactical analyst David Ornstein of The Athletic, Nuno’s priority is to reintroduce balance between defence and midfield, especially after several matches in which West Ham conceded from set pieces and fast counter-attacks.
Disasi’s experience as a ball-playing centre-half could strengthen the team’s overall coherence and allow the midfield trio more creative freedom.
If the transfer materialises, Disasi could form a partnership with Kurt Zouma, a fellow Frenchman and former Chelsea player, creating a strong central defensive combination familiar with Premier League intensity.
Are there other clubs interested in Disasi?
While West Ham appear to be leading the race, other Premier League clubs have reportedly been keeping tabs on Disasi’s situation. According to a report from CaughtOffside, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers have both expressed tentative interest, though no formal bids have been made.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are believed to prefer a permanent sale to reduce their wage bill and fund potential summer reinforcements. However, The Guardian reported that the Blues remain flexible and may consider a loan deal with an obligation to buy if West Ham or any other club puts forward a convincing proposal.
What happens next in the transfer saga?
The coming weeks will be decisive. With the transfer window entering its final phase, West Ham are expected to intensify discussions with Chelsea to secure a move before the deadline.
Chelsea’s stance could hinge on whether other defensive targets depart or if new recruits arrive. If Disasi remains sidelined beyond January, his market value may continue to drop, a scenario the West London club will likely want to avoid.
As noted by The Times, Nuno Espírito Santo remains optimistic about reinforcing the squad, saying internally that “depth across the back line is essential” for the second half of the season.
Ultimately, the deal’s progression depends on whether Disasi is open to the move this time. After last summer’s rejection, sources close to the player—reported by Football.London—suggest that he might now be “more receptive” to offers if guaranteed consistent minutes.
What could this move mean for both clubs?
For West Ham, signing Disasi represents an opportunity to address defensive fragility and inject international experience into the side. For Chelsea, it would be a move toward slimming a bloated roster and providing clarity to their long-term squad structure.
If completed, the transfer could benefit both parties: Disasi would regain his footing in the Premier League, West Ham would strengthen their backline, and Chelsea would free up space for younger defenders emerging through their academy.
