Crystal Palace In Talks With Chelsea For Axel Disasi London 2026

Key Points

• Crystal Palace have initiated discussions with Chelsea regarding a potential move for 28-year-old French central defender Axel Disasi.
• The talks coincide with Chelsea advancing negotiations to sign French defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
• Chelsea prefer a permanent sale for Disasi as they aim to manage squad size and align with Premier League PSR financial regulations, while a season-long loan has also been discussed.
• Disasi spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United and is currently seeking regular first-team football, as he falls outside Xabi Alonso’s long-term plans at Stamford Bridge.
• According to transfer reports, verbal discussions have taken place, with Disasi evaluating his available career options before committing to a move.

Crystal Palace (South London News) July 24, 2026 – Crystal Palace have opened transfer talks with Chelsea to explore a deal for French centre-back Axel Disasi, as the South London club prepares for the potential departure of Maxence Lacroix to Stamford Bridge.As reported by Kieran King of The Mirror, Crystal Palace are actively pursuing a move for the 28-year-old defender while negotiations continue over Lacroix, who is closing in on a move to West London following the conclusion of his international duties. Further reporting from The Telegraph indicates that while Chelsea prefer a permanent transfer to assist with squad management and financial compliance, a season-long loan deal for Disasi has also featured prominently in early discussions between the two Premier League clubs.

Why Are Crystal Palace Targetting Chelsea Defence Expert Axel Disasi?

As reported by The Telegraph, Crystal Palace view Axel Disasi as a key defensive candidate to reinforce their backline should Maxence Lacroix complete his proposed transfer to Chelsea.

According to coverage from The Standard, the Eagles have prioritized securing an experienced central defender who can seamlessly integrate into top-flight competition.

Disasi, who arrived at Chelsea from AS Monaco for £38.8 million in August 2023, boasts extensive experience across Ligue 1, the Premier League, and European competition, as well as caps for the France national team.

As reported by Alex Crook of TalkSPORT, Chelsea have been open to offering players such as Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, or Badiashile as part of broader discussions surrounding the Lacroix deal, with Palace showing specific interest in Disasi’s profile.

What Is Axel Disasi’s Current Transfer Situation At Chelsea?

As reported by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, initial contact between Chelsea and Crystal Palace regarding Disasi has taken place over the last 24 to 48 hours, with discussions remaining verbal at this early stage.

Romano stated that

“Chelsea and Crystal Palace have discussed Axel Disasi,” adding that “Palace asked about him, deal only discussed verbally so far, Disasi wants to consider different options.”

Disasi spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Ham United, where he featured regularly in central defence. However, with Xabi Alonso restructuring the squad at Stamford Bridge ahead of the new campaign, Disasi is keen to secure guaranteed playing time rather than remain on the periphery in West London.

How Does Maxence Lacroix’s Transfer Impact The Disasi Deal?

As reported by Scott Trotter of The Mirror, Chelsea have made significant progress in negotiations for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

According to reporting by Alan Nixon, Chelsea have submitted improved offers approaching £52 million to £55 million for Lacroix, while Crystal Palace have held out for a valuation exceeding the £55 million fee Tottenham Hotspur paid for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.

As reported by The Telegraph, the potential arrival of Disasi at Selhurst Park functions as a key component of Palace’s succession planning, ensuring manager Oliver Glasner maintains defensive strength should Lacroix’s move to Stamford Bridge be finalized.

Background Of Axel Disasi’s Recent Form And Chelsea Career

Following his high-profile arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2023, Axel Disasi initially featured prominently in Chelsea’s defensive unit, making over 40 appearances across all competitions in his debut campaign. However, tactical shifts and squad rotation led to reduced playing opportunities during subsequent periods.

During his loan stint at West Ham United in the second half of last season, Disasi helped stabilize the Hammers’ defensive line in domestic fixtures.

Despite solid defensive metrics—including high clearance and passing accuracy figures—West Ham chose not to pursue a permanent transfer, leaving the French international to return to Chelsea.

With Chelsea currently operating under strict squad roster limits and financial regulations, finding a resolution for senior players outside the core matchday squad remains a strategic priority for the club’s hierarchy.

Prediction: How Will This Transfer Development Affect Crystal Palace And Chelsea Supporters?

This potential exchange of defensive assets carries distinct implications for both fanbases and tactical setups.

For Crystal Palace supporters, securing Axel Disasi would provide an experienced, physical defender capable of stepping directly into top-flight action. If Maxence Lacroix completes his lucrative transfer to Chelsea, acquiring Disasi—whether on loan or permanently—mitigates the immediate tactical void left in Oliver Glasner’s backline.

Palace fans can expect a composed operator in low-block situations and set-piece scenarios, though the club will need to ensure his wage expectations align with Selhurst Park’s financial structure.

For Chelsea supporters, finalizing Lacroix’s signature alongside a departure for Disasi represents a continued effort by the club’s board to refine the squad roster under Xabi Alonso.

Offloading Disasi reduces payroll overhead and assists Chelsea in adhering to Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Should Disasi secure regular minutes at Crystal Palace, it would offer all parties a practical outcome ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.