Chelsea close to sealing MAJOR transfer – Fabrizio Romano
Tom Hancock
- 1 Aug 2023 12:30 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea appear poised to complete the signing of France centre-back Axel Disasi from Monaco.
The 25-year-old could become the Blues’ fifth summer acquisition – following the arrivals of attacking quartet Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Diego Moreira and Angelo Gabriel.
And a deal looks set to be rubber-stamped very soon indeed, judging by the latest update from Fabrizio Romano.
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Romano reports that Disasi is in England today (August 1) to undergo a medical with the two-time European champions.
He adds that Chelsea and Monaco have already exchanged paperwork, with the transfer seemingly now a formality.
Disasi is expected to move to Stamford Bridge for €45m (£38.6m), which would make him the Blues’ second-most expensive signing of the current window – behind his compatriot Nkunku, who joined from RB Leipzig for €60m (£52m).
The versatile defender – who has also been deployed at right-back in the past – has two years left to run on his Monaco contract and has also been linked with Manchester United and Newcastle.
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Disasi’s journey so far
Born in the suburbs of Paris, Disasi started out with local club Paris FC, before moving on to Reims – where he caught the attention of Monaco, who snapped him up this time three years ago.
He’s gone on to make 129 appearances for the eight-time Ligue 1 champions, chipping in with 10 goals.
Disasi made his senior debut for France last year and was named in Les Bleus’ squad for the 2022 World Cup – where he featured twice, coming off the bench in the final as Didier Deschamps’ side were beaten on penalties by Argentina.
Chelsea are also closing in on another exciting French talent, with a €27m (£23.1m) deal for 19-year-old Rennes midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu reportedly agreed.
