West Ham United appear to have beaten AC Milan to the signature of Chelsea misfit Axel Disasi, with the France international set to become the central defensive reinforcement Nuno Espirito Santo has been crying out for.
Whether this proves to be the signing which sparks a dramatic survival push, though, remains to be seen.
Axel Disasi has not played a Premier League match since April 2025. Given that West Ham United need players who can come in and hit the ground running – Burnley away on Saturday as the very definition of a ‘must win’ – this is a deal which carries a degree of risk.
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
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Disasi has dominated Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe when at the peak of his powers, though.
And, speaking to Sky Sports, reporter Chris Reidy claims that the former Monaco man’s physicality and big-game experience are two major factors behind West Ham’s willingness to bet the farm on a man who has spent the last few months stuck in the reserves at Stamford Bridge.
Why West Ham United are signing Axel Disasi from Chelsea
Paris Saint-Germain v Aston Villa FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
“West Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi on loan until the end of the season,” Reidy said just shy of 4.30pm. “From my understanding, this is going to be a straight loan with no obligation or option to buy.
“I was told around an hour ago that Disasi had just started his medical. There is still quite a bit of time for them to get the deal done before the window slams shut, but the wheels are firmly in motion.”
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Jean-Clair Todibo will be unavailable against Burnley after his sending off in Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 defeat at Disasi’s current employers. The much-maligned Max Kilman has been linked with Crystal Palace too.
“Why do they need Disasi? Well, Jean-Clair Todibo is suspended for the next three games following that red card,” Reidy adds. “Furthermore, Igor Julio saw his loan deal terminated earlier this week.
How much of the £40m that we spent on Max Kilman could we realistically get back?!
A graphic showing the rumour linking West Ham defender Max Kilman with a move to Crystal Palace.
Credit: Getty Images/ James Gill – Danehouse
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
“So, West Ham see Axel Disasi as someone who – although he hasn’t played for Chelsea for a long time -is experienced, has played in a World Cup Final, and can come straight in. A big, powerful, imposing defender who is ready to help West Ham in their current relegation battle.
“I am told other incoming deals are unlikely at this stage, apart from Disasi. But never, never rule anything out with West Ham on deadline day.”
Hammers News have been told that Disasi had reservations about joining West Ham initially. He was worried that he would struggle to dislodge his fellow Frenchman from Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence.
Todibo’s three-match suspension, then, opens the door for Disasi to come straight in and nail down a spot.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox