A West Ham star has played a pivotal role in the now imminent signing of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi and one more deal could be in the pipeline too.
Hammers News exclusive
If West Ham are to have any chance of staying in the Premier League this season, they simply must plug their leaky defence.
The Hammers have the worst defensive record in the top flight, conceding two goals per game on average this season.
Chelsea have also been looking at centre-backs in the winter window and that is intrinsically linked to West Ham’s hopes of landing a deadline day deal.
But it is a Hammers star who has played the pivotal role.
Disasi disaster averted as West Ham get Nuno’s man from Chelsea
There was a major twist to talks between West Ham and Chelsea for Axel Disasi on Sunday.
And Hammers News understands a West Ham star has helped seal the deal for Chelsea outcast Axel Disasi with one more in pipeline.
If you had to rate this signing between 1 and 5, what would you go for? 🤔
We're closing in on a defender, but is he the right one?! 👀
A graphic showing Axel Disasi being set for a medical at West Ham ahead of a loan move from Chelsea.
Credit: Getty Images/ Harry Murphy – Danehouse
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West Ham went into the window with Charlie Cresswell their top defensive target.
But Nuno Espirito Santo has been pushing to bring France international Disasi – who has not played for Chelsea since last season – to the London Stadium.
West Ham’s talks over a deal for Disasi hit problems when it emerged Chelsea wanted a permanent sale and the player himself preferred a move to rival suitors AC Milan.
Axel Disasi before Aston Villa play Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images
When the Hammers turned their attentions to Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis, it looked like the Disasi deal was dead.
But Southampton turned down a £12.5m bid from the Hammers for Harwood-Bellis.
And Chelsea opted to recall Mamadou Sarr from his loan at Strasbourg after a bid for Tylel Tati was rejected.
In the meantime, the Hammers saw a £2.5m loan with £30m option to buy move for Real Betis’ Brazilian defender Natan snubbed.
That prompted West Ham to call Chelsea once again for Disasi, but this time one Hammers star helped secure the move.
West Ham star helps seal deal for Chelsea outcast Disasi
Disasi has a medical booked at West Ham on deadline day.
And Hammers News can reveal one of the club’s own has inadvertently played a decisive role.
How on earth do we REPLACE Jean-Clair Todibo?! 🤔
If you could tell Nuno what to do, what would you say?! 🗣️
He’s going to be a big miss…
A quote graphic showing Jean-Clair Todibo's quote: “I made an inappropriate gesture, contrary to the values of football”
Credit: Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside
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Hammers star Jean-Clair Todibo helped pave the way for a deal for Chelsea outcast Disasi – and he may not be the only deadline day arrival at West Ham.
Hammers News understands Disasi was pensive about joining West Ham as he was not certain he would start games with compatriot Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos much-improving under Nuno.
Disasi wanted a move where he felt he would be a starter for the remainder of the season as he has ambitions to be an outside bet to make the France squad for the World Cup.
West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo is sent off for violent conduct after clashing with Joao Pedro
Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images
A leading transfer source at West Ham has confirmed to Hammers News that Todibo’s sending off against Chelsea has actually helped seal Disasi’s signature.
Now the 27-year-old feels he will be able to go straight into the team and make one of the starting positions his own while Todibo is banned for three games.
His obvious hope is to then hold on to the shirt for the remainder of the campaign.
The irony won’t be lost on anyone at West Ham after Todibo was dismissed for putting his hands around Joao Pedro’s throat at Stamford Bridge.
According to the source, Nuno’s ultimate aim is for Disasi to partner Todibo when he returns from suspension.
One more potential signing in pipeline for Hammers
Speaking about the chances of additional West Ham deals before the 7pm deadline, the source said the Hammers are in talks over ‘one or two more’.
But the feeling is the club will be fortunate to bring in more than one further signing after Disasi.
A deal for Spurs ‘keeper Antonin Kinsky has been on and off behind the scenes and hinges on Mads Hermansen leaving West Ham.
Several midfielders have been offered to the Irons following Lucas Paqueta’s departure while longstanding West Ham target Jhon Duran could be made available on a free transfer to throw a cat amongst the pigeons.
Hammers News then asked the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners whether there could be any more additions after Disasi and were met with the response: “Who knows!”
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