Newcastle’s defensive focus shift to Chelsea’s Axel Disasi after striker resolution. Following news of their future attacking reinforcements, Newcastle’s focus have quickly moved into strengthening their defensive line. The Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is their main focus. The Magpies are in advanced talks to sign the French centre-back in an effort to agree on a deal that could be worth almost £26 million (€30 million). Newcastle’s defensive focus needs to resolve before an ongoing glaring weakness before embarking on their Champions League journey.
Striker Resolution Triggers Defensive Push
The club’s urgency follows the resolution of Alexander Isak’s transfer standoff. Liverpool had submitted a £110 million bid for the Swedish striker. But Newcastle’s £150 million valuation deterred further interest, ensuring Isak remains at St. James’ Park. With alternatives Benjamin Sesko and Yoane Wissa now off the radar, manager Eddie Howe has redirected resources toward defensive reinforcements. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri confirmed: “After resolving the tricky striker situation … Newcastle is now planning to sign a central defender!”.
🚨 Enzo Maresca wants 15 Chelsea players to leave this summer: 😳👋
🇫🇷 Christopher Nkunku
🇫🇷 Axel Disasi
🇫🇷 Benoît Badiashile
🇫🇷 Lesley Ugochukwu
🏴 Ben Chilwell
🏴 Raheem Sterling
🏴 Alfie Gilchrist
🏴 Carney Chukwuemeka
🏴 Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
🇸🇳 Nicolas Jackson
🇪🇸 Marc Guiu… pic.twitter.com/kUvp5q2eer
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 1, 2025
Why Axel Disasi?
Chelsea’s Willingness to Sell: Disasi, 27, is surplus to requirements under manager Enzo Maresca. Chelsea signed him for £38.8 million in 2023. But he started just six Premier League games last season before a loan spell at Aston Villa. The Blues are now open to offers around £26 million to fund other transfers.
Newcastle’s Defensive Crisis: Last season, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar suffered injuries. This made Newcastle concede 47 goals in the league. Disasi brings physicality, versatility (he can play centre-back or right-back) and top-level experience.
European Ambition: Disasi values joining a side competing in Europe and with Newcastle’s Champions League status, this will be a huge carrot.
Negotiation Status and Competitive Push
Initial talks between the clubs are underway, with Newcastle leading the race ahead of Villarreal and Juventus. Chelsea initially sought €35 million (£30 million), but the Magpies aim to close the deal at €30 million (£26 million). While Villa opted against a permanent move after his seven-league-game loan stint, Disasi’s preference for Premier League football hands Newcastle an edge.
Strategic Push for Newcastle
Disasi’s profile fits the model espoused by Howe, who wants defenders who are comfortable in possession and aggressive in 1v1 duels. In his inaugural Premier League season (2023/24), Disasi made forty-four appearances and scored three goals under Mauricio Pochettino, exhibiting the versatility in his game. As well, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is that the price out type of move, so Disasi is certainly a cheaper option.
What’s Next?
Newcastle aims to wrap up negotiations swiftly, though Chelsea’s firm valuation remains a hurdle. Disasi’s four-year contract at Stamford Bridge gives the Blues leverage, but their eagerness to offload him for financial flexibility could expedite a compromise.
For Newcastle, this move signals ambition beyond attacking flair. As Tavolieri noted, “Recent contacts have taken place with Axel Disasi, and the Frenchman is included on the Magpies’ recruitment list”. Securing Disasi would mark a pragmatic step toward shoring up a defense pivotal to their European aspirations.
The Road Ahead
Newcastle United is set to move for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. This came after clarifying their striker position, signing Benjamin Sesko for €80m. Now the Magpies can focus on defensive reinforcements and recruit Disasi. He is in Chelsea on loan last season (6 league appearances pre-loan, 7 with Aston Villa) and surplus to fulfill requirements at Chelsea. Disasi can play both as a centre-back or right-back, with Newcastle requiring greater depth following Sven Botman and Fabian Schar’s injuries. The negotiations are ongoing, as St. James’ Park remain keen to renegotiate Chelsea’s original asking price of €35m, down to €30m, although the continued interest from Villarreal and Juventus is still a barrier.
Final Verdict
Significantly for Spurs, Disasi would like to move to a club in a European competition. This makes Newcastle (with Champions League qualification) their next club of choice if quickly offered and signed. This potential announced transfer is a pragmatic and intelligent way to build a team ethos. Moreover, it helped to deal with potential weaknesses in defence. They allowed 47 league goals last season. Moreover, with some of that current financial flexibility they have secured after paying for Sesko. If the deal to sign Disasi is completed, his power, pace and experience of playing in the Premier League would fit well into a backline with Eddie Howe’s team for the demanding season ahead.
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