Chelsea’s Axel Disasi is on the verge of securing another temporary switch, with the centre-back nearing a season-long move to Premier League side Crystal Palace for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Frenchman, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from AS Monaco in 2023, is preparing for his third temporary stint away from the club. After brief periods at Aston Villa and subsequently West Ham United, Disasi is now set to link up with fellow Frenchman Pierre Sage at Selhurst Park.
While the defender has been present at Chelsea’s Cobham training facility during the summer months, he has operated separately from Xabi Alonso’s senior team setup. Disasi, alongside players such as Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk, has been working in a distinct group. Sources at the club have been quick to clarify this does not constitute another so-called ‘bomb squad’ scenario of the kind witnessed in recent years.
Palace’s search for an additional central defender comes after their sale of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea in a deal worth £52million earlier in the summer. The south London club now appear to have secured their target, with versatile Frenchman Disasi joining Sage’s ranks for the forthcoming season.
Meanwhile, Benoit Badiashile underwent medical checks in Naples on Wednesday ahead of his own temporary departure to Napoli. The Italian club hold an option to purchase the 25-year-old for £23million and have paid Chelsea a £2.3million loan fee for his services.
With both Disasi and Badiashile departing, Alonso will shortly have eight senior centre-backs available. Marc Guehi’s arrival from Palace means Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato are all anticipated to remain at the west London club for the time being. However, Aaron Anselmino, Tosin Adarabioyo and Mamadou Sarr could all depart on loan or be sold before the summer transfer window closes.
During Chelsea’s pre-season trip to Sydney last month, Alonso informed journalists that the club’s ideal scenario would see them conclude the summer with four or five central defensive options in the first-team squad.
Chelsea are hoping to send Sarr out on loan, preferably to another Premier League side. The 20-year-old Senegalese international has attracted interest from elsewhere in England’s top flight, as well as from Real Sociedad and clubs participating in European competition. Al-Hilal have expressed interest in a permanent deal, though Chelsea would prefer a loan arrangement to maintain ties with the promising centre-back.
Elsewhere, Adarabioyo has drawn interest from Benfica, Sevilla and Marseille, alongside several domestic clubs, with Chelsea eager to offload the 28-year-old. The Blues are also seeking a loan move for Anselmino for the upcoming season.