Latest Aston Villa transfer news with an update on Axel Disasi's long-term future
Axel Disasi of Aston Villa
Aston Villa want to keep Axel Disasi at the club beyond the end of the season, according to the latest reports. The 27-year-old arrived at Villa Park on loan from Chelsea in January and has since featured 10 times in all competitions.
Disasi made his Villa debut against Ipswich Town on Saturday, February 15 and played 90 minutes at centre-back alongside Boubacar Kamara and then Tyrone Mings. The Frenchman continued to keep his place in the XI when available and won the Player of the Match award after an impressive performance against Brentford.
However, as Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa returned, Disasi's game time dwindled. In fact, he has started just one of their last seven Premier League matches - and that came at the start of last month against Nottingham Forest. The last time he featured was when he struggled off the bench at Manchester City on Tuesday, April 22.
Despite this, Villa are keen to keep hold of Disasi and retain his services for the 2025/26 season, according to Foot Mercato. Unai Emery is a big fan of his 'dedication to training' and his 'mentality', and the management's idea is to keep him after his loan, even though there is expected to be competition for his signature.
It's added that discussions have already started with Disasi as he prepares to decide his future. Talks with Chelsea are anticipated to begin at the end of the season, as Villa and the Blues are fighting for the same goal: automatic qualification for the Champions League through the Premier League.
BirminghamLive understands that while Disasi could remain at Villa, the club are looking at alternatives on a long list, as Emery tries to strengthen his squad.
Although planning for the summer transfer window has started, Villa's main focus is securing a place in the Champions League next season. Emery's team host Tottenham on Friday night and a win would put Villa in a strong position inside the Premier League top-five with one game to go.
Speaking ahead of his side's game against Spurs, Emery said on Thursday: "I am wishing to play. I don't want holidays because we’re in a very good moment after a long season, but now we're very, very motivated.
"Very excited to play at Villa Park tomorrow, for our objectives we have in front of us to play again in Europe. It's not in our hands but we can have some options to play Champions League again.
"And focusing on Tottenham because I know the most difficult way we can have is our own way, playing against Tottenham tomorrow and how we can beat them."