AS Roma is poking around on Axel Disasi. The Italian side finished third in Serie A last season and they’re looking to add some depth at center-back. According to Foot Mercato, Roma has reached out to Chelsea to ask about the French defender and has already made contact with his representatives.
Disasi is 28 years old. He spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, where he started regularly under Nuno Espirito Santo. That didn’t stop the Hammers from getting relegated to the Championship though. Now he’s back at Chelsea with a contract that runs through June 2029, but the Blues are trying to move him.
Chelsea wants out. Roma wants in.
The Blues set a €20 million price tag on Disasi. That’s partly because they’re trying to bring in another French international center-back — Maxence Lacroix. So Disasi is essentially the odd man out in a crowded defensive room at Stamford Bridge.
Roma qualified for the Champions League by finishing third in Serie A, which could be a selling point. Disasi played in the Champions League with Monaco a few years back and would get that stage again if the move happens. Roma needs someone who can step in and play right away, not a project.
What’s the fit?
Disasi is a big body who’s comfortable in a back three or a back four. He’s not the fastest guy on the field but he’s physical and reads the game well. For Roma, who play a fairly high line under Daniele De Rossi, that could work or it could get messy. Depends on how much space they’re willing to give up.
West Ham fans saw both sides of him. He was dependable for stretches but also had some rough games when the team’s form cratered down the stretch. He didn’t single-handedly cause the relegation, but he also didn’t stop it.
It’s worth noting that Roma hasn’t made a formal bid yet. This is still in the inquiry stage. Chelsea isn’t desperate to sell but they’re not going to say no to €20 million for a guy who’s probably not in their long-term plans. The Disasi camp is open to the move too, which helps.
A Champions League club showing interest might push things along faster. Or it could just be Roma doing early homework. We’ll see if they turn that inquiry into an actual offer.
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