Chelsea ‘plan to accept Axel Disasi offer’ amid West Ham whispers
Chelsea are prepared to accept an offer for Axel Disasi in the January transfer window but may struggle to move him on due to his lack of playing time.
That is according to former West Ham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his previous clubs, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Enzo Maresca hopes to cash in on the 27-year-old when the window opens.
Disasi is not seen as an option by Maresca, and is not part of his plans for the long-term future, leading to interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
West Ham have been linked to Disasi as they aim to bolster their squad at centre-back, but they have had second thoughts about pursuing a deal in the mid-season window.
Nuno Espirito Santo wants to add a new option to his back line, but are likely to look elsewhere rather than moving for the Chelsea star after “major concerns” emerged.
Chelsea plan to accept Axel Disasi offer
Brown told Football Insider in September that Chelsea were desperate to sell Disasi and hoped to receive offers form Saudi or Turkish clubs after the English window closed.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted West Ham are unlikely to make a move despite speculation.
“Chelsea would like to move him on,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s not part of the manager’s plans, isn’t playing games and isn’t seen as a contender to get back into the side, so it makes no sense to hold on to him.
“There have been suggestions West Ham could make a move, but I can’t see that happening.
“He hasn’t shown anything to suggest he’s the answer to their prayers, he struggled when he went to Villa last year and hasn’t got a look in so far this year.
“So if West Ham go and get him, it’s going to be weeks before he’s ready to play, and even then I’m not sure he’s good enough to solve their problems.
“There’s nothing to suggest that he’s better than what they’ve already got.
“I know how West Ham do their business, so I expect he is somebody they’ve looked at, but they need somebody who’s going to make a real difference and he isn’t that player.”
West Ham set sights on defensive reinforcements
Football Insider revealed on 5 December that West Ham want to sign a new defender in January as Nuno sees his back line as a priority for the window.
The Hammers have conceded 29 goals in 15 games so far this season, a dismal record which has seen them get dragged into a relegation scrap.
Meanwhile, Matt Le Tissier warned Football Insider on 29 October that West Ham are too weak at centre-back after what has been a dismal start to the season.
As a result, the Hammers are eyeing a number of defensive options, as Brown told Football Insider on 18 November that West Ham want to sign Charlie Cresswell.
Cresswell represented England at the Under-21 Euros during the summer and played a key role in the heart of the back four as they successfully defended their crown.
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