West Ham United are reassessing their transfer strategy in the defensive market after encountering obstacles in their pursuit of Charlie Cresswell. With negotiations for the Toulouse centre-back failing to progress as expected, the London club have turned their attention to Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, whose availability has increased during the current transfer window.
West Ham Hit Roadblock in Charlie Cresswell Talks
According to TEAMtalk, Charlie Cresswell remains West Ham’s primary target to bolster their back line. However, discussions with Toulouse have stalled, prompting the Hammers to prepare alternative options to avoid being left short in defense.
The urgency to reinforce the squad has grown amid a disappointing run of results. Club officials believe January additions are essential to stabilize performances and improve defensive consistency during the second half of the season.
Disasi Emerges as Leading Alternative
In response to the impasse over Cresswell, Axel Disasi has emerged as a concrete alternative on West Ham’s shortlist. Sources close to the situation indicate that the 27-year-old Chelsea defender is being closely evaluated as a viable solution should the club fail to reach an agreement with Toulouse.
Disasi’s profile appeals to West Ham due to his physical presence, Premier League experience, and immediate availability. Chelsea are reportedly open to negotiating his exit, a factor that has encouraged West Ham to explore the possibility of a deal.
Chelsea Willing to Negotiate Disasi Exit
Chelsea are understood to be receptive to allowing Disasi to leave during this transfer window. For West Ham, a loan arrangement is currently the preferred option, taking into account financial constraints and the desire to minimize immediate spending.
A temporary move is viewed internally as a practical solution that would allow the club to strengthen its defensive options without committing to a large upfront fee. Negotiations are expected to focus on the structure of a potential loan, including wage contributions and duration.
Premier League Experience Strengthens Case
Disasi’s recent Premier League experience adds further weight to West Ham’s interest. The French centre-back spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, a stint that demonstrated his ability to adapt quickly within English football.
This familiarity with the league is seen as a key advantage as West Ham look for players who can make an immediate impact rather than requiring a prolonged adaptation period.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
