Chelsea and Arsenal join the race to sign 25-year-old Ligue 1 star

Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in Monaco’s Axel Disasi despite Manchester United leading the race

As per RMC journalist Fabrice Hawkins (h/t Daily Mail), Chelsea and Arsenal have joined the race to sign Monaco defender and Manchester United target Axel Disasi this summer.

The report also reveals despite interest from both the London clubs, United are leading the race to sign the 25-year-old who is high on Erik ten Hag’s transfer shortlist.

Disasi is keen on a move to the Premier League. He has developed through the ranks in France, initially playing for Paris FC then Reims before joining Monaco in 2020.

The French international is a centre-back who is comfortable when asked to operate as a right-back. He is a physically strong defender with good pace and passing ability.

Among the good options Chelsea have at the back, there aren’t many better who can play on the right. Wesley Fofana is one but he had an inconsistent first season at Stamford Bridge (partly due to injuries). We should expect him to improve under the management of Mauricio Pochettino.

Hence, it kind of makes sense why the Blues are interested in Disasi. But, given United are leading the race for him, Chelsea might want to play the waiting game and see if there is a fallout in his potential move to Old Trafford.

Chelsea and Arsenal are in the race to sign Manchester United target Axel Disasi.
Chelsea and Arsenal are in the race to sign Manchester United target Axel Disasi. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Blues are expecting a few departures from the defensive department this summer, with Kalidou Koulibaly moving to Saudi Arabia and Trevoh Chalobah going to Inter Milan subject to the resolution of a stumbling block in the deal.

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It remains to be seen if the club have other transfer targets in mind to bolster that department if the Disasi move does not happen (looks unlikely anyway). Not having any European football to offer might be a concern as well.