Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has reportedly agreed personal terms with Aston Villa ahead of a potential move to Villa Park.
Ezri Konsa is Aston Villa’s only fit centre-back at Unai Emery’s disposal, with Pau Torres out with a broken foot and Tyrone Mings, who was forced off in the 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday, a major injury doubt to face Celtic at Villa Park Wednesday. Diego Carlos was sold to Turkish side Fenerbahce last week to deplete their options further.
As a result, it is not surprising that the Midlands club are looking at options to bolster their defensive ranks. According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea’s Axel Disasi wants to join Aston Villa having agreed personal terms with them. He has interest from several clubs across Europe, but after direct talks with Unai Emery, the defender wants only a move to Villa.
Disasi, 26, appears to be on his way out of Chelsea. With Enzo Maresca demanding the Blues to recall Trevoh Chalobah from a loan spell at Crystal Palace, the Frenchman has been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Axel Disasi to Aston Villa—Can he aid the club’s top-six push?
Disasi arrived at Chelsea from AS Monaco 18 months ago, and having played in 31 of their 38 games last season, it has not been quite as productive in the ongoing campaign for the versatile defender with just six outings from a possible 23 in the Premier League.
That has seen Aston Villa make a move to offer the Frenchman an escape route away from Chelsea, and he has agreed personal terms with the club. The Midlands outfit’s search for a central defender comes amid Carlos’ sale to Fenerbahce, coupled with injuries to Torres and Mings, and they have now set their sights on Disasi.
While the 26-year-old may have failed to set the Premier League alight with Chelsea thanks to his occasional lapses in concentration and poor decision-making on and off the ball, Disasi should be more than capable of filling the void left by Carlos in Emery’s squad. The ex-AS Monaco star would fit the requirement of a squad option perfectly, providing cover for both Konsa and Mings.
Capable of operating in a back three and as a right-back, the France international would be a handy option to have in the ranks for Emery. Due to his versatility and experience, Disasi should add value to Emery’s side if Villa can agree terms with Chelsea.
Villa have conceded 35 goals in 23 league games this season, more than any other side in the top 10, and with a minus goal difference, defensive reinforcements are an absolute must before the February 3 transfer deadline. Keeping that in mind, they must now look to get a deal for Disasi over the line to address their problems at the back.
