Who is Axel Disasi? Chelsea's new star centre-back

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 13 Aug 2023 18:44 BST
• 3 min read

Axel Disasi attracted interest from Manchester United and Newcastle earlier this summer, but the Frenchman ended up joining Chelsea after their €45 million offer was accepted by AS Monaco.

Man Utd were looking for cover at centre-back with Harry Maguire looking bound for the Old Trafford exit, but Chelsea stole a march and signed Disasi to reunite him with his former Monaco central defensive partner Benoit Badiashile.

Disasi is a powerful centre-back who is an asset in both boxes, and he has the rare distinction of having made his France debut at the World Cup, helping Les Bleus to a runners-up finish in Qatar in December.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Disasi cost Chelsea a pretty penny - at close to €50m - but he could well be worth it in the long-run; if his debut is anything to go by (in which he scored the equaliser against Liverpool), then he could be in for a great Chelsea career.

What position does Disasi play in?

Disasi is primarily a centre-back, but he can also operate at right-back, which makes him an asset to teams who flit between a back three and back four, like Chelsea.

How good is Disasi?

Disasi was part of Ligue 1's most miserly defence in 2019/20, helping Reims finish in the European places for the first time in 58 years, prompting Monaco to pay €13m for his services in August 2020.

MORE: Saudi Pro League summer transfers 2023: All the Done Deals

He has gone from strength to strength since, averaging three aerial challenges won and five progressive passes per 90 minutes played over the last year.

Disasi was called up ahead of Badiashile after Presnel Kimpembe's injury ahead of the World Cup, and became the first Frenchman to debut at the competition since 1966.

What clubs are interested in Disasi?

Man Utd, Newcastle and Manchester City were all credited with an interest in Disasi before Chelsea landed him, while Arsenal scouted him before he made the move to Monaco in 2020.

When does Disasi's contract expire?

Disasi's contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2029 after signing a six-year deal at Chelsea.

How old is Disasi?

Born on 11 March 1998, Disasi is 25 at the time of writing.

He shares a birthdate with Didier Drogba and Andy Robertson.

What is Disasi's Instagram?

Disasi's Instagram can be found under the handle @axel_disasi. He has 197k followers as of August 2023.