Axel Disasi Confirms Transfer Interest from Three Premier League Clubs

Axel Disasi, the 27-year-old Chelsea defender, has revealed that Sunderland, Bournemouth, and West Ham expressed strong interest in signing him during the summer transfer window.

Currently deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea under head coach Enzo Maresca, Disasi spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.

In a recent interview with CARRE, the French centre-back opened up about the transfer speculation, detailing the approaches from the three Premier League clubs and his decision to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Sunderland’s Early Interest in Axel Disasi

Sunderland were the first to approach Disasi, making their move early in the transfer window. Fresh off promotion to the Premier League and led by French manager Regis Le Bris, the Black Cats were building an ambitious project with a focus on French talent.

Disasi acknowledged the appeal, stating: “Sunderland, when they arrived, from the outside, a great project. Promoted, invested a lot this summer, invested in a lot of French people. But they arrived quite early in the transfer window. So my thinking wasn't that advanced, and I didn't necessarily follow up, even if the interest was rewarding because as I told you, there was the French coach [Regis Le Bris] and quite a few good things.”

While the interest from Sunderland was flattering, Disasi’s focus at the time was not fully on a move, leading him to pass on the opportunity. However, the Black Cats’ proactive recruitment strategy highlights their intent to compete in the Premier League.

Bournemouth’s Persistent Pursuit

Bournemouth emerged as the most serious suitor, approaching Disasi about a week before the transfer window closed. The Cherries presented a detailed vision of their project, which piqued Disasi’s interest.

He explained: “Then I would say that the biggest and the most interested was Bournemouth... who arrived, I think, a week before the end. They came and explained to me a little bit about the project, how the team plays and so on. And uh, well, my thinking is different compared to Sunderland where I said to myself, ‘Why not?’. So I do this all week with Bournemouth.”

Bournemouth’s structured approach and clear communication about their playing style made the move a serious consideration for Disasi, shifting his mindset from casual interest to active deliberation.

West Ham’s Late Approach

West Ham entered the race late, with their interest tied to the chaotic final days of the transfer window. Disasi noted the complexity of the situation, referencing other transfers that influenced the Hammers’ pursuit: “It was really the last day at the end when [Nayef] Aguerd left for Marseille, I imagine. Then there was the one [Igor Julio] who finally left for West Ham from Brighton. He was supposed to go to Crystal Palace and then with the transfer of [Marc] Guehi. Frankly, it was mixed up. It was a bit chaotic.”

The late timing and interconnected transfer moves, including Aguerd’s departure and Igor Julio’s transfer, complicated West Ham’s approach, making it less concrete than Bournemouth’s.

Emotional Pull of AS Monaco

Adding a twist to the saga, Disasi’s former club, AS Monaco, also made a late approach, stirring emotional memories. He admitted: “But between Bournemouth and West Ham, you have Monaco coming in the middle - and there you get me by the feelings you see. In fact, when Monaco arrives, all the memories come back... Then the thinking, you see, it changes. Honestly, everything was me in my head.”

This sentimental connection to Monaco significantly influenced his decision-making, ultimately contributing to his choice to remain at Chelsea.

Disasi’s Current Situation at Chelsea

Reflecting on his situation at Chelsea, Disasi expressed a desire for more playing time and clarity about his future. “Well, my goal, the idea was to leave, to find a project where I could, let's say, flourish, to play a bit more. And currently, my situation is that I'm continuing to train. Right now, I'm waiting to find out a bit because there's the winter break. So there you have it, everyone is a bit here and there, but I think that by next week, I'll know for sure what my future holds, how things are going to work out,” he said.

With the winter transfer window approaching, Disasi remains focused on training while awaiting a resolution. His comments suggest a potential move could be on the horizon, whether in January or beyond.

What’s Next for Axel Disasi?

As the winter transfer window nears, Axel Disasi’s future remains uncertain. His openness about interest from Sunderland, Bournemouth, and West Ham, combined with the emotional pull of AS Monaco, highlights the complex decisions players face during transfer windows. For now, Disasi continues to train with Chelsea, but his desire for regular game time could see him explore new opportunities soon.

Fans of Sunderland, Bournemouth, and West Ham will be watching closely to see if their clubs revisit their interest in the versatile defender. Meanwhile, Disasi’s candid remarks offer a glimpse into the chaotic and emotional world of football transfers.