Arsenal, Chelsea 'join Manchester United in race for Axel Disasi'

Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi during this summer's transfer window.

The 25-year-old was in impressive form for Monaco during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring six goals and registering four assists in 49 appearances in all competitions.

Disasi has another two years left to run on his current deal, but there is currently widespread speculation surrounding a possible move away from the Red and Whites during the summer window.

Man United have been heavily linked with Disasi in recent weeks, with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag said to have identified him as a possible acquisition.

However, it is thought that the France international is seen as an alternative to Napoli's Kim Min-jae rather than the club's main centre-back target this summer.

© Reuters

At one stage, Man United were thought to be in pole position for Kim, but Bayern Munich and Manchester City are now thought to be at the head of the queue for his signature.

According to RMC Sport, Ten Hag's side are the favourites for Disasi, but Arsenal and Chelsea are also showing an interest in the Frenchman at this stage of the window.

Journalist Fabrice Hawkins claims that Man United are yet to make an offer for the defender, but Ten Hag is preparing to soon hold discussions with him over a possible move to Old Trafford.

Hawkins reports that €40m (£34.4m) is likely to be enough to sign a player who has been capped on four occasions by France, with three of those appearances coming at the 2022 World Cup.

© Reuters

Man United are currently well-stocked in the middle of their defence, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez forming an impressive partnership for much of the 2022-23 campaign.

Martinez missed the end of the season with a foot injury, which led to Victor Lindelof enjoying an extended run in the side, and the Sweden international impressed alongside Varane.

There remains widespread speculation surrounding the future of Harry Maguire, though, with the club captain struggling for action during the recent season.

Maguire is expected to leave during the current window, which would open up space in the squad for a new central defender to arrive.

Disasi made the move to Monaco from Reims in 2020, and he has represented his current side on 129 occasions, scoring 12 goals and contributing four assists in the process.