Crystal Palace Close to Loan Deal for Axel Disasi from Chelsea

Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal to take Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea, with the defender set for a medical on Friday ahead of a season-long move.

The France international, part of the so‑called “bomb squad” at Stamford Bridge, rebuilt his reputation during an eye-catching loan spell at West Ham in the second half of last season. Even as the Hammers slid towards relegation, Disasi’s form stood out and sparked strong interest across the summer window.

Back in January, he had already turned down several escape routes from Chelsea before finally agreeing to join West Ham, where his performances convinced the east London club to explore a permanent transfer. They pushed again in this window, but look likely to lose out to their London rivals.

Palace, preparing for their first campaign under new head coach Pierre Sage, have moved decisively. The club sold Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea earlier in the summer for £52million, leaving a sizeable gap at the heart of their defence and a clear need for experience at centre-back.

Coach's Comments

Sage did not hide that priority when asked on Thursday if a central defender would arrive before the window shuts.

“Yes. We need a player in this department, a player with a lot of games, if possible, in the Premier League,” he said. “We need players, but we need a leader and that's why we need to wait a little bit to find a good one.”

Pressed specifically on Disasi, Sage offered only a brief hint, replying: “He's a player from Chelsea.”

If Palace get this over the line, that description will not apply for much longer.