Arsenal pulled out of the race to sign Chelsea-bound Axel Disasi because they were reluctant to meet Monaco’s asking price, according to reports.
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Chelsea are close to securing the signing of 25-year-old France international defender Disasi after agreeing a deal in principle worth €45m (£38m).
The Gunners and Manchester United had both reportedly been looking at Disasi before news broke of Chelsea’s breakthrough.
Arsenal have already signed a new defender this summer, bringing in Jurrien Timber from Ajax.
United, meanwhile, are considering whether or not to re-sign veteran centre-back Jonny Evans after his impressive performances in pre-season on a short-term deal.
Chelsea were forced into the transfer market for a centre-back after another injury to Wesley Fofana – who is expected to be out for a meaningful period of time with a knee problem.
Disasi has knocked up four caps for France and was part of the 2022 World Cup squad, playing in the final as the French lost to Argentina.
The 25-year-old mad his professional debut for Paris FC, moved on to Reims and has been at Monaco since 2020, being a regular in the team for the last three seasons, scoring 10 goals in 129 games across all competitions.
Chelsea are hoping for an improvement in 2023-24 after a dismal campaign last term saw them finish 12th in the Premier League without a trophy.
Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has come in as head coach and the Blues get their season started on August 13 as they host Liverpool.
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