Nuno Espirito Santo handed big Axel Disasi boost as West Ham transfer rivals fall away

AC Milan have pulled out of the race to sign West Ham target Axel Disasi.

Nuno Espirito Santo is trying all he can to sign a centre-back before Monday’s 7 pm deadline, with that task only being made more important after Saturday’s defeat to Chelsea.

Jean-Clair Todibo was shown a red card for violent conduct in the final minutes of the match, leaving him suspended for three games, and possibly more if the FA decide further punishment is required.

This has left West Ham‘s numbers in central defence depleted, and so reinforcing in that department now appears to be priority number one ahead of the transfer deadline.

West Ham handed clear run at Axel Disasi

It was revealed on Saturday that AC Milan were pushing to sign Disasi, with the 27-year-old seemingly holding no future as a Chelsea player.

West Ham are also hoping to sign Disasi on loan, but reports from Italy since Milan’s interest was made public have strongly suggested that the Frenchman favours a move to Serie A.

Disasi has failed to make a competitive first-team appearance for Chelsea so far this season, and last kicked a football in anger during a loan spell with Aston Villa during the second half of last term.

Since signing for Chelsea from Monaco in the summer of 2023, the five-cap France international has struggled to really prove himself at Premier League level, and as such, may desire to try his luck in another country.

West Ham's list of done deals.
Credit: Imago/Breaking Media

However, he may no longer be getting his suggested wish, as according to Marca transfer reporter Matteo Moretto on Sunday, AC Milan are not proceeding with a move for him.

It’s stated that whilst Disasi was evaluated by Milan, they are instead going to place their trust in young defender Koni De Winter.

Disasi may be best remaining option for West Ham

With time now running out ahead of Monday’s transfer cut-off point, Nuno doesn’t appear to have many options to turn to regarding the signing of a centre-back.

West Ham are now accepting defeat over Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and reports on Sunday have linked them with what seems to be a panic move for Hull City’s 33-year-old defender John Egan.

As such, signing a player in Disasi who does have Premier League and international experience, as well as significant years of football under his belt in France with Monaco and Reims, he may well be their best bet.

Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.