West Ham transfer target Axel Disasi has prioritised staying in the Premier League, and he would also like to remain “in London”, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Writing in a column on his personal website, the Sky Sport Italia reporter was discussing Fiorentina’s interest in the Chelsea defender when he revealed why a move to Italy wasn’t likely.
It appears the Hammers are now favourites to secure Disasi’s services if they do opt to advance with negotiations for the Frenchman before the transfer window closes.
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Reports both in France and the UK have said that Nuno Espirito Santo side are keen on recruiting the 27-year-old this month.
Igor’s departure is telling
The fact that West Ham opted to send Igor Julio back to Brighton on Tuesday does give us a big hint about the club’s intentions over the next few days.
Not only does it suggest that a replacement for the Brazilian will be brought in, but it would also point towards a loan deal.
The Irons only have two domestic loan slots; one of which was being filled by Igor. Now, they have the option of recruiting Disasi on a temporary basis until the summer, whilst bringing in another player too (potentially a goalkeeper or midfielder).
West Ham would be taking a risk on Disasi
The centre-back is someone who is suitable for Nuno Espirito Santo’s style of play. He is excellent at clearing crosses and winning aerial duels, but he isn’t the most mobile, so he does prefer playing in deeper-lying defences.
However, Disasi has not kicked a ball since his loan spell at Aston Villa last season. He has kept up his fitness with Chelsea’s Under 21s in the meantime, but he will be seriously lacking match sharpness.
Considering that Santo’s team are in the midst of a relegation fight, they won’t be able to afford him much time to get up to speed, so he may have to be thrown in at the deep end.
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