Axel Disasi can secure West Ham transfer if he holds off Viktor Gyokeres in crucial Arsenal clash
Axel Disasi has been heavily linked with a move to West Ham United this summer after a strong second half of the season on loan.
The Frenchman had been an outcast at Stamford Bridge, prevented from training with the first team before eventually securing his January move.
Disasi was instantly thrown into the starting line-up for West Ham, and he has not left since, playing every single minute of every Premier League game.
The Hammers would like to sign the 28-year-old this summer, but a potential move hinges on their safety in the Premier League.
West Ham transfer chiefs will hope the centre-back can help aid that quest for safety with a strong performance in a hugely important clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
Axel Disasi to face in-form Viktor Gyokeres
Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that West Ham are set for permanent talks for Disasi this summer should they stay in the Premier League.
Chelsea paid £38million to sign the defender from Monaco in 2023, but he has still only made 61 appearances for the London club.
| Axel Disasi | Stats - Premier League 2025-26 (per 90) |
| Clearances | 3.91 |
| Recoveries | 2.09 |
| Tackles | 1.09 |
| Accurate long balls | 2.27 |
| Duels won | 2.91 |
| Goals conceded while on pitch | 1.18 |
Aston Villa looked as if they would sign him after a strong second half of the season on loan, but he returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer and found himself completely out of the squad.
After half a season without football, the way Disasi has quickly got up to speed with West Ham's defence has been hugely impressive.
Before last week's defeat to Brentford, the Irons had conceded just four goals in their last five Premier League games.
On Sunday, Disasi will face an extremely tough test in Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede has scored 21 goals across all competitions this season and netted twice against Fulham last week.
The 27-year-old's ability to back into his defender and force the Gunners up the pitch has been key for Mikel Arteta's side, and Disasi will have to be at his strongest to stop it.
Premier League rivals to be watching Disasi situation
The likes of Everton and Leeds United will be looking for defenders this summer, and Disasi's performances at West Ham are bound to have raised eyebrows.
Should the Hammers be relegated to the Championship, Chelsea will expect to receive offers from elsewhere.
But Nuno Espirito Santo's team are still alive, and they will continue to fight for their Premier League survival.
Sunday's clash will be key, with defeat leaving West Ham in an extremely perilous position.