Latest developments
- Aston Villa want to take Chelsea's Axel Disasi on loan.
- The Villans are suffering an injury crisis at centre-back.
- Disasi has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Reliable transfer expert
Aston Villa are exploring a loan move for Chelsea's Axel Disasi, after their centre-back crisis worsened over the weekend with injury to Tyrone Mings.
This news broke on footballinsider247.com, courtesy of Pete O'Rourke, a renowned transfer journalist in the UK.
Value (4/5): Old-fashioned loan?
Villa are in search of a loan deal having let Diego Carlos leave and see Mings join Pau Torres and Kourtney Hause on the treatment table.
A quick fix without obligations to buy or a loan fee is what they are after, but with Disasi out of favour at Stamford Bridge, the Blues will likely want to push for certain terms & conditions.
Suitability (3.5/5): Lack of Premier action
The full French international played 44 times for Chelsea last season and was a solid performer in a poor campaign for the West Londoners, making him suitable for the rigours of the Premier League.
A tally of only six appearances in the league this season suggests he isn't rated by Enzo Maresca. But with the additional ability to play at right-back, he at least has a fair degree of versatility to boast.
Upgrade? (3.5/5) Decent short-term option
Unai Emery is only likely to require Disasi's services until the end of the season, and with Ezri Konsa as the only fit centre-back at Villa Park, the 26-year-old can expect to go straight into the starting line-up.
He may struggle to keep his place once the injured players return, but that is unlikely to be a concern.
Logic (4/5): Regular playing time on offer
It's straightforward for Villa, who need bodies in quickly before the window closes, and Disasi looks stronger than some of their other supposed targets, such as ex-Tottenham man Juan Foyth.
That said, Chelsea may only be interested in offloading him permanently, but Disasi is now at the stage of his career where he wants to be playing every week – and not just in the UEFA Conference League – so the man himself will hold sway too.
Whisper+ verdict: 18/25
Certainly on the basis of his superior injury record compared to Foyth's, Disasi is the better option for Villa. It may all hinge on whether or not Chelsea will entertain a loan, because if they don't, this rumour might not go far.
