As West Ham United returned for the start of pre-season training this week, so too did Chelsea; Xabi Alonso walking out at Cobham for the first time to be greeted by a quite frankly colossal group of players.
You know Chelsea have overspent when you look at the pictures from their training ground and recognise, what, maybe 50 per cent of the players in action?
There was, though, one man conspicuous by his absence; Axel Disasi.
How would you feel if Kretinsky brought Disasi BACK to West Ham? 🇫🇷
A Chelsea source thinks the return is possible…
Just days after Chelsea insider Simon Phillips reported that West Ham are still in talks with the France international – the Hammers allegedly have an agreement in place regarding a £25 million fee – any suggestions that Disasi could be handed a fresh start at Stamford Bridge by Xabi Alonso appeared to die a pretty early death.
So, is a West Ham United return on the cards? Maybe. Is Disasi still out of the picture at Chelsea? Most definitely.
West Ham United target Axel Disasi is not in Xabi Alonso’s plans at Chelsea
There was no sign of the former Monaco giant at Cobham. And trust us, we looked.
Some had wondered that, because Disasi was such a ‘revelation’ at West Ham during his loan spell from January to June, a new head coach at Chelsea may be tempted to take a closer look. After all, it’s not as if Alonso is inheriting a rock-solid backline. Chelsea conceded more goals last season than Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Everton.
For Disasi though, the ship appears to have sailed. Now a mere dot on the horizon.
He is clearly not in Chelsea’s plans. And suggestions from the aforementioned Phillips that Disasi is yet to turn his nose up at a new challenge in the Championship should give West Ham some hope that his arm could be twisted.
Disasi loved his time playing under Nuno Espirito Santo
According to The Athletic, Disasi struck up a close bond with Nuno in East London.
He also loved the reception he got from a fanbase who took him to their hearts. Out on his ear at Chelsea, and welcomed in from the cold at West Ham.
Can you spot anything interesting as West Ham return for pre-season?
Taty returns, Nuno chats with Bowen, and a couple of youngsters make an appearance
“So far, it’s been really nice,” said a man frozen out by Chelsea, speaking on the Ironcast podcast in February. “As you know, my situation before was a little bit crazy. So, for me, it is only positive to be here.
It feels great to be part of something and to be in the group. The way the staff and the team have welcomed me… honestly, thank you to everyone.
“I feel I am in the right place. It feels like a family, and I love feeling that. Honestly, I’m good.”
If Chelsea and West Ham shake hands on a fee of £25 million, Disasi would be arguably the biggest statement signing since Ruben Neves joined Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves from FC Porto in 2017. He would also become the most expensive player signed by a second-tier club, pushing Neves down to fourth in the pecking order.
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