West Ham United Expected to Complete Deadline Day Loan for Chelsea Defender Axel Disasi
West Ham United are anticipated to finalise a significant loan acquisition before Monday's 7pm transfer deadline, as manager Nuno Espirito Santo aims to bolster his defensive options in the club's intense battle against Premier League relegation.
Defensive Reinforcement a Priority for Hammers
According to reports from Sky Sports, the East London club are actively seeking to add a centre-back to their squad following the departure of Igor Julio, who has returned to Brighton & Hove Albion after an underwhelming loan spell. This move has created an opening in West Ham's defensive line, prompting the pursuit of Chelsea's Axel Disasi on a temporary basis.
The Hammers' need for defensive depth has become increasingly urgent as they find themselves six points adrift from safety in the Premier League table. This precarious position follows a disappointing weekend where they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose against Chelsea, while relegation rivals Nottingham Forest managed a draw with Crystal Palace to extend their advantage.
Disasi's Situation at Chelsea
Axel Disasi has found himself marginalised at Stamford Bridge under former manager Enzo Maresca, having not featured in competitive action since his loan stint with Aston Villa last season. Despite being welcomed back to training by current Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, the expectation remains that the French defender will depart this month to regain match fitness elsewhere.
Rosenior recently commented on Disasi's situation, stating: "Axel is someone I've really, really liked as a player for a long time. Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club. I'm being genuinely honest. I literally have got to work through a list of priorities. I will do in the next few days."
While Disasi has returned to training with Chelsea, indications suggest he has been informed he will not feature prominently during the second half of the current campaign, making a loan move increasingly likely.
Potential Impact on West Ham's Survival Bid
The potential acquisition of Disasi would represent a significant boost to West Ham's defensive capabilities, bringing valuable top-level experience to their back-line. However, concerns persist regarding the defender's match fitness and the time required for him to reach optimal condition, given his prolonged absence from competitive football.
West Ham have already been active during the January transfer window, securing the signings of Taty Castellanos, Felipe Pablo, Keiber Lamadrid and Adama Traore. The addition of Disasi would complete their winter business as they seek to strengthen their squad for the crucial months ahead.
Santo's Assessment of Relegation Battle
Speaking after West Ham's narrow defeat to Chelsea, manager Nuno Espirito Santo remained philosophical about his team's survival prospects: "There's a lot of football to be played. As long as we can keep maintaining the levels of performance like we did in the first half, we're going to win matches, of course."
The Portuguese manager added: "But this match, honestly, with all the respect that I have for Chelsea, it should be our game, we should have it. We have to react this week and prepare well for a game against a tough team that's going to be Burnley. We have to prepare properly."
West Ham's immediate focus now shifts to their upcoming fixture against Burnley, where they will hope to begin closing the gap to safety, potentially with new defensive reinforcement in their ranks.
