When West Ham United’s Axel Disasi swoop appeared to be on the verge of a deadline day collapse, the Premier League outfit did their due diligence on potential alternatives.
One of which, according to reports out of Italy, was Juventus’ Federico Gatti.
Fortunately, Chelsea misfit Disasi is now expected to sign on the dotted line before the 7pm cut-off. After 24 hours of ‘will he, won’t he?’ debates and drama, the five-time France international will undergo a medical at Rush Green imminently.
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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This means West Ham United have successfully dodged a mad, deadline day dash.
They will not be getting Charlie Cresswell – the Toulouse ace was the dream target of many fans and also the club themselves – but in Disasi, Nuno Espirito Santo will at least get an experienced, versatile, physically imposing centre-half for the remainder of the campaign.
West Ham United identified Juventus’ Federico Gatti as an Axel Disaasi alternative
Federico Gatti celebrates during Juventus FC v Udinese Calcio - Serie A
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Hammers News can confirm that Southampton rejected a £12.5 million bid for Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The Londoners also made a loan offer, with a £30 million purchase clause, for Natan of Real Betis.
Another Disasi alternative, Gazzetta dello Sport explain, was Juventus giant Federico Gatti. The Bianconeri reportedly turned down West Ham’s approach after opting to loan out Daniele Rugani instead.
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Rugani was linked with the Hammers himself last summer. He is now set to join Serie A strugglers Fiorentina.
We all love the club to bits, but let’s be real – what would you have to tell a new signing to convince them to join?! 😔
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As for Gatti, the late-blooming 27-year-old is staying in Turin.
Capped six times by the Italian national team, Gatti has reportedly been on West Ham’s radar since 2024.
Disasi is another alleged long-term target, albeit one who will finally don the claret and blue jersey. He could make his debut away to Burnley on Saturday, though patience may be required considering that Disasi has not played a competitive first-team game since April 2025, when he was on loan at Aston Villa.
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