Key Points:
- West Ham United have enquired about Chelsea defender Axel Disasi.
- The report was first published by Gary Jacob of The Times.
- West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo reportedly seeks a new centre-back.
- Disasi previously rejected a loan move to West Ham last summer.
- The 27-year-old French defender has been excluded from Chelsea’s first-team plans this season.
- Disasi has only trained with Chelsea’s youth teams since the start of the campaign.
- West Ham have one domestic loan slot available after signing Igor Julio from Brighton.
- The club are currently 18th in the Premier League after 19 games, with 38 goals conceded.
- Disasi’s previous experience includes five international caps for France.
- A move could benefit both Disasi’s career and West Ham’s defensive stability.
LONDON, 1 January 2026 — West Ham United have approached Chelsea FC regarding the potential signing of French defender Axel Disasi, according to Gary Jacob of The Times. Jacob reported that the East London side, led by recently appointed manager Nuno Espírito Santo, is actively exploring options to reinforce the defensive line before the end of the winter transfer window.
The 27-year-old, who joined Chelsea from AS Monaco in 2023 for a fee of approximately £38 million, has found himself out of favour at Stamford Bridge this season. According to Jacob’s report, Disasi has spent much of the current campaign training with the youth setup rather than featuring in the senior squad.
Why Have West Ham Shown Interest in Axel Disasi?
As reported by Gary Jacob (The Times), West Ham’s interest has been revived amid growing defensive struggles and a lack of consistency at the back. The Hammers have conceded 38 goals in 19 Premier League matches so far — the second-highest in the division.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who replaced David Moyes in December 2025, views the defensive reinforcement as a priority. The Portuguese coach is keen to bring stability and physical presence to the back line, and Disasi’s combination of experience and aerial ability makes him a suitable candidate.
According to Football.London, West Ham’s hierarchy are “considering all viable options within their financial limits,” with a short-term loan being the most likely scenario given budgetary constraints and current loan usage.
What Is Axel Disasi’s Situation at Chelsea?
Disasi’s current situation at Chelsea has become increasingly uncertain. Simon Johnson of The Athletic previously reported that Mauricio Pochettino’s squad restructuring had left the Frenchman surplus to requirements. Since the start of the 2025–26 season, Disasi has not featured in any competitive fixture for the Blues.
As noted by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher during an earlier broadcast, Disasi once delivered what he described as “a John Terry-style performance” during a stellar defensive display for Chelsea last season. However, his subsequent exclusion from the main squad has raised questions about his long-term future in West London.
The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg has written that Chelsea’s policy under sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart has focused on reducing squad size and prioritising younger players. This strategic direction has left several experienced players, including Disasi, on the periphery.
Did Axel Disasi Previously Reject West Ham’s Approach?
Yes. As Gary Jacob of The Times confirmed, West Ham made a loan move for Disasi during the 2025 summer transfer window, which the player declined. Sources close to the player, cited by The Telegraph’s Matt Law, suggested that Disasi preferred to fight for his place under Pochettino at that time.
However, with his lack of playing minutes and growing competition within the Chelsea ranks — including defenders like Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana (now returning from injury) — Disasi may now be reconsidering his stance.
Football writer Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard has also reported that Disasi is “open to opportunities for regular football” if a suitable arrangement is reached between clubs.
How Does West Ham’s Current Loan Situation Affect a Potential Deal?
West Ham United currently have one domestic loan available. The club secured the services of defender Igor Julio from Brighton & Hove Albion during last summer’s window. However, as noted by Jacob (The Times), Igor has made only one start for the Hammers and appeared as a substitute three times.
It remains unclear whether the loan can be terminated early to facilitate a move for Disasi. Should the club manage to release Julio or secure an international loan exemption, a temporary deal with Chelsea could be a practical solution.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently told CaughtOffside that
“West Ham’s interest in Disasi is genuine, but negotiations depend on Chelsea’s willingness to sanction a short-term loan given the player’s contract runs until 2029.”
What Are The Potential Benefits Of This Transfer For Both Clubs?
For West Ham United, bringing in Disasi could fill a critical gap in the backline as they attempt to climb out of the relegation zone. His Premier League experience and international pedigree could add immediate value.
From Chelsea’s perspective, a loan move would offload a portion of Disasi’s wages and potentially increase his market value ahead of the summer window. According to Football Insider, Chelsea’s management is “open to short-term exits for fringe players” as part of its ongoing wage bill restructuring.
What Are Fans And Pundits Saying About The Possible Move?
Fan reactions across social media platforms have been mixed. Some West Ham supporters view Disasi as an upgrade to their struggling defence, while others question the club’s policy of acquiring players who have fallen out of favour elsewhere.
Jamie Carragher (Sky Sports) earlier described Disasi as “a powerful and composed defender when confident,” but warned that “a lack of rhythm can quickly affect form.”
Meanwhile, BBC Sport’s John Southall commented on the rumoured move, writing that
“Disasi’s situation represents a typical mid-season reshuffle — West Ham need strength at the back, and Chelsea need clarity over squad space.”
Could Axel Disasi Help West Ham Avoid Relegation?
The Hammers’ defensive issues have been central to their struggles this season. With 38 goals conceded after just 19 matches, they currently sit 18th in the Premier League table.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s immediate focus, according to Gary Jacob of The Times, is on consolidating the back four and instilling a more organised defensive structure. Disasi’s arrival could offer both leadership and a physical edge needed to survive the second half of the campaign.
Should the French defender adapt swiftly, his potential partnership with Kurt Zouma — another former Chelsea player — might provide the stability needed to lift the side away from the relegation zone.
What Happens Next In The Negotiation Process?
Both clubs are expected to continue talks over the coming days. While Chelsea’s sporting directors remain cautious about further reducing their defensive depth, West Ham’s urgency in strengthening their back line before the January window deadline could drive a swift agreement.
As Fabrizio Romano noted,
“A short-term loan with an option to buy could be the most feasible formula for both sides.”
This structure would give West Ham immediate defensive reinforcement without a major financial commitment.
If negotiations progress positively, Disasi could undergo a medical and sign before the end of the January window. However, as of now, no formal offer has been submitted by West Ham.
