Crystal Palace Close to Loan Move for Axel Disasi

Crystal Palace are closing in on a loan move for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, with the Frenchman set for a medical on Friday ahead of a season-long switch.

Palace, preparing for their first campaign under new head coach Pierre Sage, have moved decisively to strengthen at centre-back after selling Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea earlier in the summer for £52million. Disasi has emerged as the preferred solution, offering top-flight experience and an immediate leadership presence in a reshaped back line.

The 26-year-old rebuilt his reputation during an eye-catching loan spell at West Ham in the second half of last season. Even as the Hammers slid towards relegation, Disasi’s form stood out, drawing interest from several clubs once the window reopened. West Ham pushed to bring him back on a permanent deal but now look set to lose out to their London rivals.

Disasi’s situation at Stamford Bridge has been tense for some time. In January, he turned down multiple escape routes while marooned in Chelsea’s so-called “bomb squad”, eventually choosing the move to West Ham to secure regular minutes. That decision has paid off, placing him back in demand and on the brink of another Premier League opportunity.

Palace’s need for a centre-back has been no secret. Asked on Thursday if the club would bring one in before the window shuts, Sage was clear: “Yes. We need a player in this department, a player with a lot of games, if possible, in the Premier League.

“We need players, but we need a leader and that's why we need to wait a little bit to find a good one.”

Pressed on whether that leader could be Disasi, Sage kept his cards close to his chest, offering only: “He's a player from Chelsea.”

If the medical goes as planned and the deal is finalised, Palace will have their man — and Sage will have the experienced organiser he has been openly asking for as a new era at Selhurst Park takes shape.