Chelsea and Arsenal have both entered the race to sign AS Monaco star Axel Disasi, although Manchester United hold the advantage, according to a new report. The French defender made 49 appearances last season in which he scored an impressive six goals from the back in a turbulent Ligue 1 campaign for Monaco where they finished sixth.
Erik ten Hag's men are desperate for a new centre-back addition and identified Disasi as an option earlier this year. Kim Min-jae, who was United's top target, is on the verge of joining Bayern Munich from Napoli which could result in United accelerating their interest in Disasi, especially now that Chelsea and Arsenal are eyeing a move.
According to RMC journalist Fabrice Hawkins, United are yet to make a formal offer but will speak to the player soon. His update adds that Arsenal are showing some interest, alongside Chelsea who have Kalidou Koulibaly on the verge of leaving to sign for Al Hilal.
Although, the Blues may already have his replacement in Levi Colwill who is being readied for the first-team picture after a superb loan spell at Brighton. Permanent interest has since arrived from the Seagulls for the young Englishman, but Chelsea have zero plans to let him leave.
Bringing in a new defender was a clear priority for Mikel Arteta this summer and key steps into making that possible were made earlier this week. A £30million bid was put forward by the Gunners for Jurrien Timber but Ajax have set their asking price at £50million, however there is confidence a compromise can be found.
Declan Rice is the main target for the Gunners this summer, as football.london understands, but a deal looks to have already been completed. A £65million agreement has been reached between Chelsea and Arsenal for the transfer of Kai Havertz and with Rice likely to cost close to £100million, a key decision awaits Edu in defence with moves for Disasi and Timber seeming unlikely.
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Selling Folarin Balogun and Kieran Tierney could go some way into making several marquee moves possible, but a second midfield acquisition is more likely than a defensive one. Southampton's Romeo Lavia, like at Chelsea, is being considered in north London with Granit Xhaka and now Thomas Partey looking set to move on.
That same midfield plan is also likely in motion at Stamford Bridge with N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic as two departures on the cards. Kante's move to Al Ittihad has already been confirmed while the Blues have reached a £30million agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Kovacic.
Who should Chelsea keep or sell this summer...?
