As Chelsea were returning back to the top four with a big win at Stamford Bridge over West Ham, chiefs were working hard off the pitch to complete a number of late deadline day deals.
One of those saw Axel Disasi leave the club after a number of weeks where he looked out of the immediate plans in West London.
The Frenchman joined Aston Villa after a dealsheet was submitted in time for the deal to go through, however the Champions League side were not the only ones keen on signing Disasi.
The story of Axel Disasi’s move from Chelsea to Aston Villa
Tottenham pushed hard to sign the Chelsea man, although the player made it clear that his preference was a move to Villa Park.
One of the reasons why Disasi was so convinced was down to their manager, Unai Emery. The Spaniard has done a wonderful job at Villa since taking over there,.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed their boss was insistent on the Chelsea man, calling daily to explain the project to him.
He said to GiveMeSport: “Axel Disasi was also pushing to leave, but in this case Chelsea also wanted the same as the clear feeling on this one is for the French defender to be sold in the summer.
“Chelsea agreed on a loan fee with Tottenham, they were pushing to make it happen but Disasi was very clear: he was either going to go to Aston Villa or stay at the club.
“Napoli and Wolves were among several clubs who tried to convince Disasi but for him it was Villa or nothing. Champions League football, Unai Emery’s daily calls to explain the project and several factors made him wait until the final hours to get the green light and join the club.”
Axel Disasi’s Chelsea future
It was clear that Disasi was out of favour in West London under Enzo Maresca. Reports stated he was last-choice centre-back at the club.
For this reason, the majority of his performances came at right-back, an area where Reece James, Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong can pick up minutes.
Romano went on his piece for GiveMeSport to state that whether it is to Villa or not, Disasi is expected to leave permanently at the end of the season.
He said: “Again, we expect Disasi to leave Chelsea for Villa or any other destination on a permanent deal in the summer.”
The Blues are expected to be in the transfer market again in the summer for a new defender despite recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan during the January transfer window.
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