Chelsea have given their price as Newcastle target Axel Disasi in order to boost their defence

 

Newcastle United have set their sights on bolstering their defence this summer, with Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi emerging as a potential target. However, the Magpies are reportedly hesitant to move forward due to the steep valuation placed on the player by the London club.

 

Despite only joining Chelsea two years ago from AS Monaco in a £39 million deal, Disasi has become surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. Initially brought in under Mauricio Pochettino, he was a regular starter during the Argentine’s tenure. But following Pochettino’s exit and the arrival of new manager Enzo Maresca, Disasi found himself on the fringes and was eventually shipped out on loan to Aston Villa for the latter half of the 2024/25 season.

 

During his short spell at Villa Park, the French international made just 10 appearances. Although Aston Villa paid over £5 million for the loan, they have decided not to pursue a permanent move for the 27-year-old, signalling that he did not fit into Unai Emery’s long-term plans.

 

Now back at Chelsea, Disasi’s future appears no clearer. He still has four years remaining on his current contract, but his omission from the Blues’ Club World Cup squad indicates that he is not in Maresca’s vision going forward. As Chelsea look to streamline their bloated squad and continue their rebuild, Disasi is one of several names tipped to depart this summer.

 

The Blues have already offloaded several players in a major squad shake-up. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has secured a move to Arsenal, while another shot-stopper, Djordje Petrovic, is on his way to Bournemouth in a £25 million switch. In addition, winger Noni Madueke is poised to complete a £52 million move to Arsenal, further clearing room and raising funds at Stamford Bridge.

 

Despite interest from La Liga side Villarreal, Disasi is understood to prefer remaining in the Premier League — a factor that could play into Newcastle’s hands. The Magpies, preparing for a return to the Champions League, are actively strengthening their squad under Eddie Howe. They have already brought in winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and are close to finalizing a deal for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

 

Newcastle had previously shown strong interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. However, with Liverpool now leading the race for the Palace captain, the Tyneside club has shifted their focus to Disasi as an alternative option.

 

Still, Chelsea’s asking price remains a major hurdle. According to French outlet L’Équipe, the Blues are demanding €30 million (approximately £26 million) for the versatile defender — a fee that Newcastle and other interested clubs are reportedly reluctant to meet, especially given Disasi’s dip in form and limited role last season.

 

The coming weeks will be crucial, as Newcastle evaluate whether to pursue Disasi more seriously or explore other defensive options. For Chelsea, the hope is to trim their squad while generating much-needed funds for further reinforcements — but unless they lower their asking price, Disasi may remain an unwanted figure with no clear path back into the first team.