Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly withdrawn from the race to acquire defender Axel Disasi, despite having previously reached an agreement for a loan deal with Chelsea, as indicated by sources from MailOnline. This development places Aston Villa in a prime position to secure the French centre-back, who is believed to have a preference for a move to the Midlands club.
The dynamics of the situation are further complicated by Chelsea's perspective, as they view Villa as direct rivals in the pursuit of Champions League qualification. This rivalry has led Chelsea to favour negotiations with Tottenham, potentially reflecting a strategic decision to limit dealings with clubs they consider competitors. Ultimately, Disasi has opted against a move to Spurs, particularly after Tottenham bolstered their defensive options this winter with the acquisition of Austria international Kevin Danso.
Disasi's current standing at Chelsea has been impacted by the managerial changes under Enzo Maresca, who took the helm in the summer. Since Maresca's arrival, Disasi's playing time has diminished significantly, with the defender making only six appearances in the Premier League this season. Most of his contributions have come in the Europa Conference League, suggesting a shift in the team's tactical framework.
It is worth noting that Disasi captained Chelsea during a crucial 2-0 victory over Heidenheim in Germany last November, highlighting his leadership capabilities. The defender joined Chelsea from AS Monaco in August 2023, signing a six-year contract for a transfer fee reported to be around £38.7 million. Since his arrival, he has made a total of 61 appearances across all competitions, underscoring his ability to contribute to the team's efforts despite recent challenges.
As the transfer window continues, it will be fascinating to observe how the situation unfolds for both Disasi and the clubs involved, particularly in light of their respective ambitions for the current season. With Aston Villa now emerging as the frontrunner, the potential acquisition of Disasi could significantly enhance their defensive line and bolster their aspirations for European football.