As the January transfer window approaches its conclusion, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi appears to be favouring a loan move to Aston Villa over a switch to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, Villa have undergone a remarkable transformation, while Disasi has found his opportunities at Chelsea limited, featuring in just six Premier League matches this season, with the majority of his playing time coming in the Europa Conference League.
Chelsea are open to loaning out the 26-year-old French international this month and have reached agreements with both Aston Villa and Tottenham regarding his potential transfer. However, sources suggest that Disasi is leaning towards a move to Villa, who currently sit higher in the Premier League standings compared to Spurs, languishing in 16th place.
Disasi's footballing journey began in France, where he played for Paris FC and Reims before making a name for himself at AS Monaco. Chelsea secured his services for a fee believed to be around £38.5 million in August 2023. Since his arrival, he has made a total of 61 appearances for the club, although his playing time has diminished recently, coinciding with a few defensive lapses.
A loan to Aston Villa could prove beneficial for both parties, particularly as manager Unai Emery seeks to bolster his defensive options following the departure of Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce. This move would not only provide Disasi with the opportunity to regain his form and confidence but would also offer Villa a valuable addition to their backline.
In addition to Disasi's potential arrival, Aston Villa are reportedly in advanced discussions for a loan deal involving winger Marco Asensio, having reached an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain. Should this deal come to fruition, it may complicate any prospective loan for Chelsea’s Joao Felix, who has struggled to justify his £45 million transfer fee since joining the club last summer, having found the net only once in 12 appearances this season.
The developments surrounding Disasi and Villa’s ongoing transfer negotiations highlight the dynamic nature of the winter transfer market, as clubs strive to optimise their squads ahead of the season's crucial final months. With Villa's ambitions on the rise, the addition of players like Disasi could be pivotal in their quest for success.