West Ham United are intensifying their efforts in the January transfer window, with reports suggesting they are keen on securing a loan deal for Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi. Simultaneously, midfielder James Ward-Prowse is seeking an exit from the London Stadium, as the club navigates a tense Premier League relegation fight.
Transfer Strategy Amid Relegation Pressure
Under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham are focused on bolstering their squad to improve their chances of survival in the top flight. The Hammers have recently gained momentum with consecutive victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland, yet they remain just five points clear of the relegation zone, with Nottingham Forest closing the gap under Sean Dyche.
This precarious position has heightened the urgency for new signings, with the January window rapidly approaching its deadline. West Ham have already welcomed three arrivals, but with Forest also active in the market, the pressure is on to secure further reinforcements to maintain their competitive edge.
Axel Disasi: A Potential Defensive Boost
According to sources, West Ham are exploring a loan move for Chelsea's Axel Disasi, a defender who has faced limited opportunities this season. Disasi was previously sidelined by former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, training with the club's youth squad to maintain fitness.
Since Liam Rosenior took charge at Chelsea, Disasi has been reintegrated into the first-team setup, but he is not expected to feature prominently in their immediate plans. Rosenior has acknowledged that Disasi needs to regain match sharpness, making a temporary move beneficial for both the player and the Blues.
However, West Ham face a logistical hurdle in pursuing this deal. As reported by The Guardian, the club would need to terminate the loan of Igor Julio to accommodate Disasi, given Premier League rules that restrict teams to only two domestic loan signings. Julio has made just one Premier League appearance for West Ham, suggesting the club might be willing to make this switch, albeit at a minor financial cost.
James Ward-Prowse: Exit Talks Gain Momentum
On the departure front, midfielder James Ward-Prowse is eager to secure regular playing time elsewhere after being effectively frozen out by Nuno Espirito Santo. The experienced playmaker is viewed as a valuable asset by several clubs, with Burnley emerging as a potential suitor.
The Telegraph indicates that Burnley, who are themselves embroiled in a relegation scrap just five points behind West Ham, are hoping to sign Ward-Prowse on loan this month. While West Ham may feel obligated to facilitate a move for the midfielder, selling to a direct rival could pose significant risks. If Ward-Prowse were to play a pivotal role in a Burnley resurgence, it could reflect poorly on West Ham's decision-making and managerial strategy.
As the transfer deadline looms, West Ham's activities will be closely watched, with the outcomes potentially shaping their fate in the Premier League's intense battle for survival.
