West Ham United remain hopeful of bringing in Chelsea defender Axel Disasi on loan, despite the London rivals holding out for a permanent transfer.
The France international has been a long-term target for the Hammers throughout the current transfer window as they look to reinforce the heart of their defence.
According to The Athletic, negotiations have been slowed by several factors, including Chelsea’s preference to cash in on Disasi rather than sanction a short-term move until the end of the season.
West Ham, however, see a loan as the most realistic option at this stage, both financially and in terms of squad planning. Securing an experienced Premier League centre-back has been a key priority for head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who wants more depth and leadership at the back for the run-in.
Talks are ongoing as the window edges towards its conclusion, with West Ham still optimistic a compromise can be found.
Should a deal be struck, Disasi would arrive at the London Stadium with significant top-level experience from Ligue 1, European competition and the Premier League, potentially giving West Ham’s defence an immediate lift.
