Chelsea defender Axel Disasi will join Aston Villa on loan, opting for Unai Emery’s side over Tottenham as the January transfer window nears its conclusion.
The French center-back has struggled for game time under Enzo Maresca, featuring just six times in the Premier League this season, with most of his minutes coming in the Europa Conference League. With Chelsea looking to offload the 26-year-old temporarily, both Villa and Spurs have had loan deals agreed, but Disasi has shown a clear preference for a move to the Midlands rather than North London.
Disasi’s career trajectory has been a fascinating one. After emerging through the ranks in France with Paris FC and Reims, he made his name at AS Monaco, where he formed a formidable defensive partnership with Benoit Badiashile. His performances caught Chelsea’s attention, leading to a £38.5 million transfer in August 2023. Despite making 61 appearances for the Blues, his time at Stamford Bridge has been inconsistent, with defensive lapses creeping into his game and ultimately costing him a regular starting spot under Maresca.
A move to Aston Villa could provide the stability Disasi needs. Emery’s side has been impressive this season but remains in urgent need of defensive reinforcements following the departure of Diego Carlos to Fenerbahçe. The addition of a physically dominant and experienced center-back like Disasi could bolster their backline as they continue their push for European football. The Villains are already making moves in the market, with a loan deal for PSG’s Marco Asensio completed.
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Tottenham, meanwhile, have been struggling to regain their early-season form and currently find themselves languishing in 16th place. Ange Postecoglou had hoped to strengthen his defensive options with Disasi, but the Frenchman’s reluctance suggests Villa’s European ambitions—and possibly a clearer path to regular playing time—have proven more enticing. While Spurs remain in the hunt for defensive reinforcements, losing out on Disasi is undoubtedly a setback for their January plans.
As for Chelsea, Maresca has been reshaping his squad, and Disasi’s potential exit is just another step in that process. Also, the Blues have been open to loaning out fringe players, ensuring those on the periphery get valuable minutes elsewhere. However, one move that now looks unlikely is a loan switch for Joao Felix to Villa.
For Disasi, a fresh start at Villa Park could be exactly what he needs to get his career back on track. Furthermore, under Emery’s tactical guidance, he has a real opportunity to rediscover the form that made him one of Ligue 1’s standout defenders. With the January window rapidly closing, this deal looks set to be one of the final major moves before deadline day—one that could prove pivotal for both Villa and Chelsea as they shape their respective seasons.
