West Ham United are on the verge of completing a significant deadline day transfer, with Chelsea defender Axel Disasi currently undergoing a medical ahead of a proposed move to the London Stadium. The Hammers are pushing to finalise the loan deal well before Monday's 7pm deadline, aiming to bolster their defensive options for the crucial final months of the Premier League season.
Defensive Reinforcement for Survival Battle
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has identified defensive strengthening as a priority during this January transfer window, with West Ham currently sitting six points from safety in the Premier League table. This urgency follows a disappointing collapse against Chelsea, where the Irons surrendered a two-goal lead to lose, coupled with Nottingham Forest's draw against Crystal Palace.
The club's recruitment team has been active throughout January, securing several new signings including Taty Castellanos, Felipe Pablo, Adama Traore and Keiber Lamadrid. However, the addition of an experienced Premier League defender like Disasi represents perhaps their most crucial piece of business as they fight to avoid relegation.
Disasi's Chelsea Exit Path
Axel Disasi's situation at Chelsea has been complex. The French defender was initially frozen out by former manager Enzo Maresca, training separately from the first team squad for an extended period. This changed with the arrival of Liam Rosenior, who reinstated Disasi to first-team training upon taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Rosenior's public admiration for the player, Chelsea have determined that Disasi currently falls short of their required standards, particularly regarding match fitness. With Mamadou Sarr returning from his loan spell at Strasbourg, the Blues have been open to loan offers for Disasi, creating the opportunity West Ham have now seized.
Medical Underway for London Stadium Switch
According to Sky Sports reports, Disasi is presently undergoing his medical examination, with West Ham confident of completing the formalities in time for Monday's deadline. Once the medical is successfully concluded, only the formal signing of paperwork will remain to finalise the loan agreement that will see Disasi remain at West Ham until the season's conclusion.
The Hammers have strategically created space in their squad for this addition by terminating Igor Julio's loan from Brighton several months earlier than originally scheduled. This proactive squad management demonstrates the club's determination to provide Santo with the defensive resources he needs to navigate their challenging survival battle.
Should the deal be completed as expected, Disasi will join a West Ham side desperate for defensive stability as they face the Premier League's demanding final stretch. His experience at Chelsea, despite recent limited opportunities, could prove invaluable as the Hammers attempt to secure their top-flight status for another season.
