It looks like Newcastle United are going to have to scratch Axel Disasi off of their list of centre-back targets this summer.
That is because the Frenchman now appears to be on his way to Chelsea, as one of the Magpies’ Premier League rivals swoop in to land the 25-year-old.
Chelsea’s need for defensive reinforcements intensified in recent weeks, with Wesley Fofana suffering another long-term injury. It is a devastating blow for the former Leicester City man, and it has forced Mauricio Pochettino to act.
While it had looked like Newcastle and Manchester United were battling it out for Disasi, it is now Chelsea who have agreed a deal to sign the AS Monaco defender.
Chelsea agree fee to sign Axel Disasi
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have agreed a deal worth £39million to sign Disasi from Monaco, who already have a replacement lined up. They are going to sign Mohammed Salisu from Southampton, who is a former Toon target.
Chelsea have moved quick to get Disasi, despite previous claims that Newcastle were leading the race to sign the defender.
Football Transfers claimed earlier this month that the Magpies had agreed personal terms with Disasi, meaning that all there was left to do was agree a fee with Monaco.
A Premier League team have now done that, but it is Chelsea rather than Newcastle.
It is a blow for the Magpies, who will now need to look elsewhere for a new right-sided centre-back. However, it is perhaps not that big a blow.
That is because Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie recently played down talk of Disasi moving to St James’ Park, claiming that it was merely agent-driven.
Whether or not Newcastle were keen, Disasi will soon be playing against Eddie Howe’s side rather than for them. It will be interesting to see how he does for Chelsea, who need to drastically improve after the 2022/23 campaign.
They already look better under Pochettino, but could still only draw 1-1 with the Magpies during a recent friendly in Atlanta.
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