AS Roma have opened negotiations with Chelsea over a potential move for defender Axel Disasi, with the Premier League club demanding €20 million for the 28-year-old Frenchman, according to Footmercato via Football Italia.
The Giallorossi, who secured Champions League qualification for the upcoming season, have endured a frustrating summer transfer window. After missing out on several key targets — most notably West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville who opted for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal — Roma are now turning their attention to strengthening their defensive options ahead of a return to Europe's top table.
Disasi joined Chelsea from AS Monaco for €45 million in the summer of 2023 and spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United. The French centre-back was unable to prevent the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League, a fate he shared with Summerville at the London Stadium.
Roma are hoping to secure Disasi on an initial loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season, though Chelsea's preference appears to be a permanent transfer. The Blues, looking to recoup a significant portion of their original €45m outlay, have set an asking price of €20m for the 6ft 3in defender.
Disasi has previous experience of Serie A transfer speculation — he was heavily linked with AC Milan during the January window, but that deal ultimately collapsed. The France international remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2029, giving Chelsea considerable leverage in any negotiations.
For Roma manager Daniele De Rossi, adding a Premier League-proven centre-back is a priority as the club prepares for a Champions League campaign. The Giallorossi have been active in the market despite mounting frustration over missed targets, and Disasi represents a high-profile option with both international pedigree and familiarity with high-pressure environments.
Whether the two clubs can bridge the gap between Roma's preferred loan structure and Chelsea's insistence on a sale will determine the outcome of talks expected to intensify in the coming days.
Sources
- https://football-italia.net/disasi-targeted-by-roma-but-chelsea-want-e20m/
