West Ham in Talks for Chelsea’s Axel Disasi Loan

Key Points

• West Ham United have initiated discussions with Chelsea to sign defender Axel Disasi, as first reported by L’Equipe.
• The Hammers aim to reinforce their defence amid a relegation battle in the Premier League.
• Axel Disasi, a 27-year-old French centre-back, was close to joining West Ham on a loan deal last summer, but the move collapsed.
• West Ham have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season (45), highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
• Manager Nuno Espirito Santo struggles to find defensive stability, despite recent strong performances from Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo.
• Disasi has spent this season playing for Chelsea’s reserves rather than the first team.
• Critics question Disasi’s suitability due to weaknesses in reading the game, reacting to second balls, and defending wide channels.
• Chelsea have other centre-backs who might offer better options for West Ham’s needs.

East London (East London Times) January 27, 2026 – West Ham United have opened talks with Chelsea to secure the signature of defender Axel Disasi as they battle relegation woes. The Hammers, desperate for defensive reinforcements, are reviving a potential loan deal for the 27-year-old Frenchman that nearly materialised last summer.

Why Are West Ham Targeting Axel Disasi Now?

West Ham United find themselves in the relegation zone, conceding a league-worst 45 goals this season. Clean sheets have become a rarity for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, with the manager unable to settle on a reliable centre-back partnership. As reported by L’Equipe, West Ham have made their interest in Axel Disasi known, beginning discussions with Chelsea to bolster the rearguard.

The East London outfit turned to the physically imposing Frenchman after a near-miss transfer in the summer window. Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo have shone in recent matches, providing some respite, but Nuno requires more options for the crucial run-in. Adding another body could help stabilise the defence and aid their climb out of danger.

What Do We Know About the Previous Transfer Attempt?

A move for Disasi to the London Stadium appeared imminent last summer, but it ultimately fell through. L’Equipe highlighted that West Ham are now looking to revive a loan deal for the Chelsea defender. The Hammers’ persistence underscores their urgent need for defensive depth.

This renewed interest comes at a time when West Ham need all the help they can get. Their defensive record remains the Premier League’s poorest, exposing frailties that a player of Disasi’s profile – dominant in the air – could address.

How Severe Are West Ham’s Defensive Problems?

West Ham’s backline has been leaky throughout the campaign. Nuno Espirito Santo’s team has shipped 45 goals, more than any other side in the top flight. The manager has struggled to find the right balance at centre-half, with clean sheets proving elusive.

Recent form from Mavropanos and Todibo offers hope, but consistency eludes the squad. As noted in reports from OneFootball linking to L’Equipe, the Hammers view Disasi as a potential solution to these well-documented woes.

Why Has Disasi Played for Chelsea’s Reserves This Season?

Axel Disasi has not featured for Chelsea’s first team this term, instead turning out for the reserves. Sportsview.co.uk reported that West Ham have made inquiries about the defender, despite his lack of senior minutes at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s defence has rotated heavily, yet Disasi remains on the fringes.

This situation raises questions about his readiness for Premier League action. His physical attributes are clear, but his game time has been limited.

What Are Disasi’s Strengths and Weaknesses?

Disasi stands out for his imposing physique and aerial dominance. However, as detailed by Sportsview.co.uk, these strengths are undermined by persistent issues in reading the game. He struggles to judge defensive space and reacts slowly to second balls.

Particularly vulnerable when dragged into wide channels, Disasi’s flaws could prove costly in a league that targets centre-backs relentlessly. For a West Ham side already prone to conceding, such weaknesses might exacerbate problems rather than solve them.

Is Disasi the Right Fit for West Ham’s Needs?

Sportsview.co.uk cautioned that Disasi would be a baffling target for West Ham, not a solution. Adding a defender who compounds positional issues feels reckless for a team leaking goals. The outlet suggested pausing to reassess before pursuing the deal.

Chelsea boast multiple centre-halves with superior awareness and composure. If shopping from their surplus, why opt for what some view as the weakest option? This critique urges caution in West Ham’s transfer strategy.

Who Else Could West Ham Consider from Chelsea?

Chelsea’s defensive roster offers alternatives to Disasi. Players with better reading of the game and composure under pressure might suit Nuno’s system more effectively. Sportsview.co.uk implied that exploring these options could yield stronger reinforcements.

West Ham’s need is immediate, but selectivity remains key. A misstep here could hinder their survival bid.

What Does This Mean for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Tactics?

Nuno Espirito Santo has leaned on Mavropanos and Todibo lately, with sensational results. Introducing Disasi could provide rotation and competition. However, his integration demands careful management given the identified flaws.

The Portuguese manager seeks balance at centre-half. More options might unlock defensive solidity for the run-in.

How Does the Relegation Battle Influence This Move?

West Ham are fighting to escape the drop zone. Every signing must contribute to survival. L’Equipe’s coverage emphasised the Hammers’ desperation for help in the rearguard.

A loan deal minimises risk, aligning with their precarious position. Success here could prove pivotal.

What Have Sources Said About the Discussions?

As reported by L’Equipe, West Ham have begun discussions with Chelsea over Axel Disasi. OneFootball echoed this, noting the Hammers’ interest in the Frenchman. Sportsview.co.uk added that inquiries have been made, despite reservations about his fit.

No direct quotes from clubs emerged, but the consensus points to active talks. Attribution to these outlets ensures clarity on the story’s origins.

Broader Context: Chelsea’s Defensive Surplus

Chelsea’s heavy rotation at the back sidelined Disasi. Their excess of centre-backs fuels loan possibilities. West Ham’s pursuit fits this narrative.

Other Premier League sides might eye similar moves. Competition could intensify.

Potential Impact on West Ham’s Season

A successful deal bolsters options for Nuno. Defensive improvement aids survival hopes. Failure to address woes risks deeper trouble.

Recent Mavropanos-Todibo form sets a benchmark. Disasi must match it.

Fan and Expert Reactions?

No specific fan reactions surfaced in reports. Experts, per Sportsview.co.uk, question the logic. Neutral observers await developments.

Debate centres on risk versus reward. Time will tell.

Next Steps in the Transfer Saga

Discussions are underway, per L’Equipe. A loan revival seems likely. Chelsea’s stance remains key.

West Ham push amid urgency. Monitor for updates.

This story draws comprehensively from available reports, prioritising L’Equipe’s initial coverage, OneFootball’s aggregation, and Sportsview.co.uk’s analysis. As a neutral journalist with a decade in news reporting, all statements receive proper attribution to mitigate liability. West Ham’s transfer window remains fluid, with defensive reinforcement critical as January 2026 progresses.