It all ended in tears on Saturday night as Chelsea and West Ham’s hotly-contested affair resulted in a scrap near the corner flag, and saw Jean-Clair Todibo receive his marching orders.
A fifth London derby in just his seventh match as Chelsea manager saw Liam Rosenior go up against West Ham on Saturday night. West Ham shocked all as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men were 2-0 up at half-time.
Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville had put West Ham ahead, but a second-half comeback – which was masterminded by “tactical genius” Rosenior – resulted in Chelsea securing a 3-2 win on Saturday.
Tensions boiled over when Adama Traore pushed over Marc Cucurella, before Joao Pedro pushed him back. It saw a 22-man brawl ensue, including Todibo with his hands on Robert Sanchez’s throat.
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With Todibo now set to be banned for three matches and possibly more, West Ham’s need for a new centre-back has increased. The Hammers are among the clubs interested in Chelsea ace Axel Disasi.
What Chelsea have told West Ham about signing Axel Disasi
With Aaron Anselmino set for Strasbourg, Mamadou Sarr not yet recalled, Jeremy Jacquet remaining with Rennes until the summer and Tosin still injured, it is perhaps a surprise that Chelsea could let Disasi go.
Chelsea FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League
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The £39m signing has been included back in senior training by Rosenior and yet, the Englishman is clearly okay with his exit. Kieran Gill reports on The Mail’s website that Chelsea have spoken to West Ham.
They have informed Saturday’s opponents that they are only interested in selling Disasi before the end of the January window, rather than loaning him out. West Ham do have cash after selling Lucas Pacqueta.
Fabrizio Romano shares new update on Axel Disasi
West Ham are not the only club to have been linked with the signing of Disasi this month. Milan are among the sides to have shown interest, having raided Chelsea a few times in the last few years.
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Axel Disasi for Chelsea
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Roma have also been linked with Disasi and now, Romano has an update on a potential move to Italy for the French defender. He reports on X that Chelsea have made it clear to Milan too, a loan is not available.
“AC Milan currently oriented not to proceed with Axel Disasi deal after being offered this opportunity on loan,” Romano reported, confirming that Milan will not follow up with their interest before the deadline.
Either a club comes in with a permanent offer for Disasi, or perhaps a loan with an obligation come the summer, could tempt Chelsea into a sale. For now, Disasi will be hoping the phone keeps ringing.
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