West Ham in Talks with Chelsea for Axel Disasi on Deadline Day

Key Points

• West Ham United have made a late approach to Chelsea for Axel Disasi on Deadline Day, seeking a loan deal.
• Chelsea reportedly wants a £5 million loan fee and full coverage of Disasi’s wages from West Ham.
• Disasi, 27, has struggled to secure a first-team place at Chelsea and spent last season on loan at Aston Villa.
• Other clubs like Wolves, Bournemouth, and Napoli have shown interest in Disasi this summer.
• West Ham need to strengthen their defence following the sale of Nayef Aguerd to Marseille.
• Disasi is keen to play regularly ahead of the next World Cup and sees West Ham as a good opportunity.
• West Ham are also considering other centre-back targets such as Charlie Cresswell and Igor Julio.
• The financial terms and agreement between Chelsea and West Ham remain unsettled, with negotiations ongoing into Deadline Day.

What is the status of West Ham’s pursuit of Axel Disasi?

As reported by Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, West Ham United have approached Chelsea about signing Axel Disasi on loan ahead of the closing of the summer transfer window. Steinberg tweeted, “West Ham have asked Chelsea about a loan for Axel Disasi. Remains to be seen if clubs can come to an agreement on finances of a deal”.

Multiple sources, including The Hard Tackle, confirm West Ham’s interest in bringing the 27-year-old French defender to bolster their defensive line. The player has been unable to establish himself in Chelsea’s first team since his £45 million transfer two years ago and had an underwhelming loan spell at Aston Villa last season.

Why is Axel Disasi looking to leave Chelsea?

Chelsea do not see Disasi as part of their immediate or long-term plans, leading to his marginalisation within the squad. The Hard Tackle notes that Disasi needs regular playing time, especially with the upcoming World Cup in 2026, if he hopes to maintain a place in the French national team setup. Regular football at West Ham could provide the platform he needs to regain his best form after impressive performances previously at Monaco.

What are the financial terms and challenges of the potential deal?

According to reports from Yahoo Sports and Hammers Headlines, Chelsea are demanding a £5 million loan fee from West Ham and also want West Ham to pay Disasi’s full weekly wage of approximately £40,000. This financial demand is significant and has complicated the negotiations between the two clubs, holding up the finalization of the deal.

How is West Ham planning to handle their defensive needs this summer?

West Ham face a pressing need to replace Nayef Aguerd, who has departed for Marseille. Alongside Axel Disasi, the club is also monitoring other defensive options such as Charlie Cresswell and Igor Julio, with Cresswell being a viable alternative should the Disasi deal fail to materialize.

The club is actively seeking reinforcements to improve their defensive depth ahead of what promises to be a challenging Premier League season, having barely avoided relegation last season.

What other transfer activity is happening at West Ham related to this deadline?

In addition to the pursuit of Disasi, there is movement concerning West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez. Reports indicate that Rodriguez’s agent has travelled to Seville to prepare for a possible last-minute transfer back to Real Betis, a club he previously played for. Discussions are ongoing about allowing Rodriguez to leave, potentially even on a free transfer, which would be an unusual step given his recent signing. His limited game time this season has fuelled speculation about his future at the London Stadium.

How does this move fit into West Ham’s broader season objectives?

West Ham’s summer transfer dealings, including the attempted acquisition of Disasi, reflect a strategy to stabilise and strengthen the squad in pursuit of a higher Premier League finish. Manager Graham Potter aims to improve defensive solidity and overall squad depth as West Ham seek to avoid another relegation battle and build on their 14th-place finish last season.