North London giants Tottenham Hotspur remain hopeful that they can beat Aston Villa to the signature of 26-year-old Chelsea defender Axel Disasi in the winter window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Axel Disasi remains the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The Chelsea defender is also a target for Aston Villa, with the out-of-favour centre-back preferring a move to Villa Park over the North London club. However, the Lilywhites believe they can beat their fellow Premier League club to the 26-year-old’s signature.
Axel Disasi and a frustrating Chelsea spell
Axel Disasi has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Chelsea from AS Monaco in August 2023. The Frenchman arrived at Stamford Bridge with a reputation for being a solid defender, although his ball-playing abilities were susceptible.
That has perhaps been the undoing for Disasi, who has been in and out of the starting lineup since joining Chelsea 18 months ago. Things have gone from bad to worse under Enzo Maresca, with the 26-year-old starting only four Premier League games. Regular game time has only come his way in the UEFA Europa Conference League and cup competitions.
So, it is hardly surprising that Disasi’s frustrations have boiled over, compelling the French international to seek a winter move away from Chelsea. The situation has piqued the attention of many fellow Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur vying for his signature ahead of Monday’s winter transfer deadline.
What next?
Aston Villa’s interest in Axel Disasi makes sense. The Villans have parted ways with Diego Carlos, who joined Fenerbahce last month. In addition, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings are nursing injuries in the treatment room. So, Aston Villa can do with a new centre-back before Monday’s winter transfer deadline, with the Chelsea defender emerging as a viable target.
As for Tottenham Hotspur, an injury crisis has engulfed the North London club’s defensive unit, with Radu Dragusin the latest centre-back to sustain an issue. While the Lilywhites have signed Kevin Danso, Ange Postecoglou wants another central defender before Monday’s winter transfer deadline. So, Disasi has emerged as a target, with Tottenham reportedly sealing an agreement with Chelsea.
However, the 26-year-old Frenchman has rejected Tottenham as he has already agreed to personal terms with Aston Villa. While Disasi is open to moving across London to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he has already committed to Aston Villa. Meanwhile, the Lilywhites remain hopeful of signing the French defender despite the recent rejection. So, it will be interesting to see how this story unfolds ahead of the transfer deadline.