West Ham United are reportedly preparing a January move for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, as manager Nuno Espirito Santo seeks crucial defensive reinforcements to aid the club's battle against relegation.
Hammers in Desperate Need of Defensive Boost
West Ham find themselves in a perilous Premier League position, sitting four points from safety with the very real threat of Championship football next season. Despite a slight uplift under Santo, the task is clear: they must catch either Nottingham Forest or Leeds United, with the latter already six points ahead. AFC Bournemouth, with 23 points from the first half of the season, are considered relatively safe.
The Irons know they are in a tough situation with few teams to drag into the relegation fight. Significant investment in the squad in recent years means the club cannot afford to drop into the second tier, making impactful January signings a matter of urgency.
Disasi's Chelsea Exile Presents Opportunity
According to reports from The Times, the east London club's solution could be Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi. The 27-year-old French international has been completely frozen out at Stamford Bridge this season, training separately from the first-team squad in what is known as the 'bomb squad'.
Disasi, who has over 40 appearances for Chelsea and more than 100 for AS Monaco, has five caps for France but has seen his career stall. Missing a summer move has left him desperate for a transfer this month, a situation that likely means Chelsea will be willing to sell at a reduced price or sanction a loan deal.
A Calculated Risk in a Critical Window
For West Ham, a move aligns with Santo's defence-first philosophy. However, the financials require careful consideration. Reports suggest Chelsea will ask for around £26.1 million for a permanent sale, a sum that represents a major risk for a club facing potential relegation.
A loan with an option or obligation to buy appears the more probable and prudent route. The only potential spanner in the works could be the recent sacking of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca; a new boss at Stamford Bridge might reassess Disasi's future.
Nevertheless, the defender's current exile makes a January departure highly likely. For West Ham, securing an experienced operator like Disasi could be a vital step in their mission to secure Premier League survival.
