Chelsea sign defender Axel Disasi from Monaco on six-year deal - 'It's something I've been waiting for'

Chelsea have signed centre-back Axel Disasi from Monaco on a six-year deal.

The France international becomes the Premier League side’s sixth summer signing and joins for a reported £38.6 million fee.

“It’s something I’ve been waiting for,” Disasi said. “I am so happy to be here, at this big club.

"I am really proud to be able to be a part of this great family, and I hope to achieve very big things here. To win titles. I will do everything I can to achieve those objectives. I am very ambitious.”

Disasi rose through the ranks in French football from the second tier with Paris FC and Reims, before joining Monaco in August 2020.

His form in the Principality earned him a first France cap during his country’s run to the 2022 World Cup final, where he started against Tunisia in the group stage and made a late cameo as a substitute in the final.

Disasi made 129 appearances for Monaco, scoring 12 goals.

“Axel has showcased his quality over several seasons in France and that has deservedly led to recognition on the international stage,” said Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.

“He is ready to take the next step in his career and we are delighted that will be with Chelsea. We welcome him to the club and look forward to him joining up with Mauricio Pochettino and his new team-mates in the days ahead.”

It has been another busy summer in the transfer market for Chelsea, who have also signed Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Angelo and Diego Moreira.

Disasi is the first defensive reinforcement to arrive and the 25-year-old explained his playing style to the Chelsea website.

“I’m a defender who likes to properly look for the ball and win it back,” he said. “The best way of anticipating the opposition player’s move is by being in the best position possible.

“I like to have the ball at my feet and play passes. I like interceptions, and I like to be aggressive with the opposition, to use my physicality.

“When I was younger, I started as an attacker. When I got bigger, I moved back. As a professional I have played left-back, right or left centre-back or in a three, and with the national team at the World Cup at right-back.

“I like full-back too because it allows me to play more with the ball. I like to be offensively minded, and I can score goals.”

Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign with the visit of Liverpool on Sunday, August 13.

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