West Ham United have stepped up their search for defensive reinforcements by entering formal discussions with Chelsea over a loan deal for Axel Disasi.
The French international arrived at Stamford Bridge for £38.5 million in 2023.
However, he has found himself on the periphery of the squad this season.
After initially being frozen out by Enzo Maresca and spending time training with the Under-21s, it appears Liam Rosenior is also open to his exit.
Disasi is reportedly keen to secure a move away from West London to resurrect his Premier League career.
West Ham Move to Fix Defensive Frailties
The Hammer’ pursuit of Disasi comes as manager Nuno Espirito Santo looks to shore up a backline that has struggled for consistency.
West Ham currently hold one of the poorest defensive records in the division, and the addition of a physically dominant centre-half is viewed as a priority.
While the club do have Igor Julio on loan from Brighton, he doesn’t appear to be part of Nuno’s plans.
Disasi made 44 appearances for the Blues last term and is seen as a “plug-and-play” option who can immediately challenge.
Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo have been much improved in recent weeks.
However, Max Kilman has struggled throughout the season in a West Ham shirt.
The Chelsea Stumbling Block
Chelsea are navigating their own logistical hurdles, specifically the Premier League’s international loan limit.
However, as this would be a domestic move, the primary concern for the Blues is the structure of the deal.
Reports suggest that while West Ham prefer a “dry loan” until the end of the campaign, Chelsea are pushing for either a significant loan fee or an obligation-to-buy clause.
The Blues are keen to trim their wage bill and move toward a permanent solution for the former Monaco man, whose contract runs until 2029.
West Ham have also held a transfer interest in Coventry defender Bobby Thomas.
Competition Mounts as European Clubs Circle
West Ham are not the only side monitoring Disasi’s situation.
According to reports in France, several European clubs are keeping a close watch on the negotiations.
Should a permanent offer arrive from the continent, Chelsea may favor that over a temporary move to a London rival.
The defender himself is understood to be keeping his options open.
Although he turned down a move to the London Stadium last summer, the lack of first-team football this season has softened his stance.
With just days remaining in the winter window, the Hammers will need to move quickly to stave off late competition and secure their man.
A Final Roll of the Dice in the Relegation Fight?
For West Ham, the arrival of Disasi would represent a significant statement of intent.
Sitting uncomfortably close to the relegation zone, Nuno is under pressure to deliver results.
The club has been active in the market, recently sanctioning the departure of Guido Rodriguez to Valencia and navigating ongoing transfer interest in Lucas Paqueta.
Securing a defender of Disasi’s pedigree could provide the stability needed to climb the table and avoid a nerve-wracking end to the season.
