Villarreal is expected to submit a formal loan offer to Chelsea on Tuesday for defender Axel Disasi, as per French newspaper L'Équipe. However, the Spanish club’s interest could complicate Neom’s pursuit, with the Saudi side already in contact with BlueCo’s management regarding the player. Neom SC is interested in signing Disasi, who spent the second half of the 2024–2025 season on loan at Aston Villa. Disasi, 27, appears unlikely to remain at Chelsea this season despite being under contract until 2029. The French international, who made 13 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea in the first half of the 2024-2025 season, joined the Villans mid-season and made 10 appearances, including three in the Champions League.
Le club saoudien de Neom, déjà très actif sur le marché des transferts, aimerait faire venir les défenseurs Ismaël Doukouré et Axel Disasi. Les négociations ont débuté avec l'état-major de BlueCo, propriétaire de Strasbourg et Chelsea.
— L'Équipe (@lequipe) July 20, 2025
➡️ https://t.co/qAmuRQ3AdR pic.twitter.com/ZcQBIqwOip
Chelsea Prefer Permanent Exit for the French Defender
While interest in Disasi is growing, Chelsea would prefer a permanent transfer over another loan deal. The club is open to letting the French international leave but seeks to secure a transfer fee rather than extend the loan cycle. Juventus and Newcastle United have both made inquiries about Disasi's availability. However, neither club has advanced beyond the initial contact stage.
