Newcastle United are nearing a breakthrough for their first signing of the summer in Anthony Elanga but also have their eyes on other targets
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Newcastle United are said to be 'particularly' interested in a summer transfer swoop for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. The French centre-half spent the second half of last season on loan with Aston Villa, making just seven appearances for Unai Emery's side.
The defender has made 61 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea since arriving from AS Monaco in 2023 in a deal worth £38.5 million. The Magpies were also linked with a move for Disasi prior to him joining the Stamford Bridge outfit.
However, despite featuring regularly during his first season with the Blues, Disasi fell down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca last season, joining Villa on loan until the end of the season in January.
Disasi is a player that Chelsea will reportedly look to move on this summer, and reports in France have once again linked Newcastle with a summer swoop for the centre-half.
It's no secret that the Toon want to bolster their options in the heart of defence, having been linked with the likes of Marc Guehi, Jarrell Quansah, Joe Gomez and more recently, Giorgio Scalvini. The young Italian defender is understood to be near the top of Eddie Howe's transfer wishlist, but Serie A side Atalanta do not want to sell their promising star.
Despite some reports claiming Scalvini could be available for a fee in the region of £30million, others claim a transfer fee which is double that price, closer to the £60million would still not be enough to convince the Italian club to sell.
Axel Disasi of Aston Villa
Chelsea are reportedly keen to see Axel Disasi leave in the summer
Now, according to RMC Sport, both the Magpies and Villareal are interested in a move for Disasi, who would be a cheaper alternative to Scalvini. The report claims Chelsea are hoping to collect €30m (£25.9m) from his sale this summer, accepting they'll be losing money.
According to the Times, the Blues reportedly need to bring in around £60million in transfer fees in order to ensure any new signings can be registered to play in UEFA competitions after breaching the governing body’s financial rules.
The likes of Djordje Petrovic, Noni Madueke and Disasi have all been linked with moves away from the club this summer, while Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix are also expected to leave the club on permanent transfers.
Newcastle are close to announcing their first signing of the summer with the impending arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest after a slight delay due to reported issues with intermediaries. Midfielder Sean Lonstaff is also set for a £12m move to Leeds United as Howe looks to cash in on the academy graduate before his contract expires next summer.
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