West Ham have set the record straight after conflicting reports on whether the club can or will sign loan star Axel Disasi permanently this summer.
They say never fall in love with a loan player – but try telling Hammers fans that when it comes to Chelsea-owned Axel Disasi.
Line up 1,000 West Ham fans and ask them the one player they would love to sign this summer and the vast majority will give the same answer – Disasi.
The Hammers signed Disasi on loan from Chelsea for the rest of the season on deadline day.
West Ham reveal truth on signing Disasi permanently from Chelsea
It was a case of third time lucky for West Ham, who wanted the French centre-back when he was at Monaco, before he joined London rivals Chelsea instead.
While the 28-year-old failed to establish himself at Chelsea, Disasi has been a huge hit in east London as he plays a key role in the club’s battle for Premier League survival.
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Axel Disasi at the end of the match during the Premier League match between Fulham and West Ham United
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Such a hit in fact that Hammers fans are imploring the club to do everything in their power to keep Disasi this summer.
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Now West Ham have set the record straight on signing Disasi permanently from Chelsea.
Axel Disasi celebrates after West Ham United beat Fulham in the Premier League.
Photo by Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Disasi has been so good for West Ham that fans of his parent club Chelsea have bemoaned the decision to let him leave on loan.
Especially in light of the Blues’ defensive struggles and poor form.
There has been concern in West Ham circles that Chelsea may want to reintegrate Disasi next season.
Clearly staying in the Premier League is of paramount importance if West Ham are to have any hope of persuading Disasi to join permanently.
Deal between West Ham and Chelsea won’t be the issue in signing Disasi
Affording him might be another obstacle if Chelsea stick to their £30-40m valuation given West Ham’s financial woes.
But there is encouraging news from West Ham’s owners.
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West Ham Crystal Palace combined XI
Although some reports in the national press that Disasi signing permanently is already a done deal if the Hammers survive, appear to be jumping the gun.
When asked whether the club is hopeful of keeping Disasi for next season – either on a permanent deal with Chelsea or fresh loan – a senior West Ham spokesman exclusively told Hammers News that a deal between the two clubs won’t be the issue.
Axel Disasi runs with the ball during West Ham United vs Manchester United.
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“Yes, what a signing he (Disasi) has been!” the senior West Ham spokesman told Hammers News.
“Are we hopeful we might be able to sign him if we stay up?
“A lot depends on what the player wants.”
In that case it looks like it could be good news for the Irons, provided they stay up of course.
Because journalist Roshane Thomas recently revealed that Disasi has not ruled out joining West Ham permanently – and will make a decision if and when the club retains its Premier League status.
The reporter claimed Chelsea did not include a purchase option in the deal with the Hammers because they believed he would shine and raise his price tag as a result.
But Thomas said previously that Disasi is ‘enjoying his time at West Ham’ and will make the decision on whether to stay at the end of the season.
West Ham look a completely different team with Disasi at the back.
His focus, attitude, spirit and defensive diligence mean the Hammers have finally found an adequate replacement for the likes of Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson.
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