Chelsea has almost finalized an agreement in principle with Monaco to sign defender Axel Disasi for around £38.6m.
The 25-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, was previously linked with Manchester United and Newcastle.
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SurgeZirc NG gathered that Disasi has arrived in England today for necessary medical examinations and documentations, and the deal is almost finalized.
According to Fabrizio Romano, both clubs have exchanged documents and contracts and the deal is worth about €45 million.
Monaco was keen on securing a replacement before allowing Disasi to leave, and they recently agreed on a deal with Southampton for defender Mohammed Salisu.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino had hinted earlier this month, that the club might make signings following the ACL injury to centre-back Wesley Fofana.
He also hinted that he was on the lookout for players who were completely committed his project at the club.
Axel Disasi, in England today in order to undergo medical and sign five year deal as new Chelsea player on €45m deal from Monaco 🔵 #CFC
Told Chelsea and Monaco already exchanged docs and contracts, deal is almost sealed. pic.twitter.com/Dfpsqh5YdV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2023
While Fofana is expected to return at some point during the season after the knee surgery, Chelsea is looking to bolster their defensive options as they await his return.
Pochettino currently has the choice of Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile to fill the centre-back positions.
Disasi will provide another option as a right-sided centre-back, having represented France at the 2022 World Cup.
The signing of Disasi would mark Chelsea’s third major acquisition of the summer, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkuku already joining from Villarreal and RB Leipzig, respectively.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has also agreed to sign midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes for €27m (£23.1m).
The 19-year-old has emerged from Rennes’ academy and made 60 appearances for the club.
In the meantime, a decision is yet to be made on whether he will be part of Pochettino’s first-team squad or sent out on loan, with Strasbourg being a potential destination.
