Manchester United have been handed a big blow with Chelsea reaching an agreement to sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi this summer.
Disasi has been on United’s radar since the beginning of March. It was recently claimed that they could explore a deal if Harry Maguire leaves.
Chelsea have now won the race to sign him from Monaco for €45 million (£39m). This is a setback for United, who have missed out on another central defender.
The Red Devils were initially keen on signing Kim Min-jae from Napoli this summer, but the South Korean star chose to join Bayern Munich instead.
Disasi has been the back-up option for United, but he is now on his way to Stamford Bridge.
United could stick with Maguire next season
The Red Devils have been fancied to sign a new centre-back this summer, but that is largely dependent on whether Maguire heads for the exit door.
So far, that appears unlikely to happen. United currently value their former captain at £40m. No club has been willing to meet their price for him.
West Ham United recently made a £20m offer which was immediately rejected by the hierarchy.
With Maguire going nowhere, United could cease their plans of pursuing a central defender for another year. The 30-year-old is happy to fight for his spot.
Disasi would have been a good upgrade on Maguire. The Frenchman is a strong physical player with an aerial presence. He likes to make progressive passes.
He seems ideally suited for the Premier League. Disasi is set to reunite with his former Monaco teammate Benoit Badiashile at Chelsea. He only joined in January.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
