West Ham United are reportedly hoping to sign Axel Disasi from Premier League neighbours Chelsea, but Stamford Bridge boss Liam Rosenior insists nothing is close to being agreed as things stand.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday evening that West Ham and Chelsea were ‘advancing’ in talks regarding the France international centre-half.
Axel Disasi, Romano wrote on his X account, was ‘close to joining’ a West Ham United outfit with the worst defensive record in the whole of the Premier League.
On a scale of 1-10, how much does Axel Disasi actually improve West Ham’s defence? 👀
Not to knock him as a player, but he’s hardly played in months!
That, though, is news to Nuno Espirito Santo’s opposite number.
Liam Rosenior speaks out as West Ham United target Chelsea’s Axel Disasi
As Chelsea prepare to host their London rivals in Saturday’s 5.30 kick-off, Rosenior used his pre-match press conference to refute Romano’s claims.
“No, not at the moment,” was Rosenior’s curt response when asked if Disasi really is ‘close’ to becoming West Ham’s fifth signing of the January window.
Raheem Sterling had his Chelsea contract terminated this week. Disasi is another who has found himself in the proverbial ‘bomb squad’, though that is not a phrase Enzo Maresca’s successor has a great deal of fondness for.
The £38.5 million signing from Monaco is now back training with the rest of the Chelsea first-team.
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Yet, Rosenior did indicate that he would not stand in Disasi’s way should an acceptable offer arrive before the 7pm deadline on Monday.
“I don’t like the term ‘bomb squad’,” the former Fulham defender adds. “I don’t like it. They’re players. They’re human beings. For me, [Disasi] has been very, very good in training.
“I think every player wants the opportunity to go and play football. That’s why they do it. If anything comes up for Axel that’s interesting for him and his career, then we’ll look at it.”
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