Chelsea announce £38m transfer for Man Utd-linked defender

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Axel Disasi from Monaco on a six-year deal.

The defender had been linked with a move to Manchester United earlier this summer, although the Red Devils are not prioritising the recruitment of a centre-back at present. Instead, United will finalise a deal for Rasmus Hojlund over the coming days and then focus on securing a deal for Sofyan Amrabat.

With the Red Devils not pursuing Disasi, Chelsea pounced and concluded a transfer for a reported £38m. In a statement released on Friday, the London club said: “Chelsea is pleased to confirm the signing of France international Axel Disasi from Monaco.

“The centre-back has agreed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge and arrives with a wealth of top-level experience. Disasi has made 130 appearances in Ligue 1, been capped four times by France, and was part of his country’s squad for last year’s World Cup in Qatar.”

A pre-season injury to Wesley Fofana forced Maurico Pochettino into the market, while Benoit Badiashile is also unavailable at present. It left Chelsea with Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah as the club's only fit centre-back options.

As for United, Erik ten Hag had been keen on signing a centre-back prior to the summer window, but the developing David de Gea situation and the need to bring in Andre Onana changed the club’s transfer priorities.

Recruiting two midfielders and a striker were also deemed essential, and United don’t have the budget at present to add another defender. Jonny Evans’ arrival on a short-term contract has also partly alleviated that issue, and United are expected to offer the Northern Irish international an extended deal.