Newcastle United are reportedly showing interest in an unlikely centre-back signing, dubbed a more attainable option compared to their primary target, Giorgio Scalvini, who is expected to cost £50 million+.
A number of names have been linked in recent weeks and months, whether that’s Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Malick Thiaw of AC Milan and Marseill captain Leonardo Balerdi, just to name a few.
But one name that has resurfaced is Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, who David Ornstein reported our interest in last summer as our attempts to land Guehi continued to stutter.
The Frenchman spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he made only seven appearances for Unai Emery’s squad, and both RMC Sport and L’Equipe report that we’re still keen.
Disasi, who joined Chelsea from AS Monaco in 2023 for £38.5 million, has played 61 games across all competitions for the Blues and previously captained Monaco.
Despite a regular starting role in his first season with Chelsea, Disasi saw his playing time diminish under new manager Enzo Maresca last season, leading to his loan spell at Villa in January.
Chelsea are reportedly eager to offload Disasi this summer, and recent reports from France indicate Newcastle’s renewed interest. French outlet RMC Sport suggests that both Newcastle and Villarreal are keen on Disasi, viewing him as a more budget-friendly alternative to Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini.
Chelsea are hoping to fetch around €30 million (£26 million) for him, acknowledging they will be taking a loss on their initial investment and offering him out to interested parties at this reduced fee.
As a player Paul Mitchell brought to Monaco, perhaps we looked at him last summer as a recommendation from our former sporting director. But, with this gone, this feels like a lazy link that may be pushed by his agent or sellers Chelsea to try and get his name in the shop window?
Chelsea’s need to raise approximately £60 million in transfer fees to comply with UEFA’s financial regulations, although they are about to receive all of that and more with Djordje Petrovic and Noni Madueke close to leaving.
Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta is understood to be high on Eddie Howe’s wishlist. However, Atalanta appears unwilling to part with their promising young Italian defender. While some reports suggest Scalvini could be available for around £50 million.
Chelsea’s Axel Disasi (27) desires to stay in the Premier League this summer, with Newcastle interested – the details. (L’Éq) ⬇️https://t.co/yyhiuibY3A
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) July 13, 2025