Aston Villa are reportedly keen to keep Axel Disasi at the club beyond the end of his loan spell from Chelsea, which ends this summer.
The 27-year-old arrived from our Premier League rivals in the January transfer window, and has since gone on to make 10 appearances across all competitions.
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While he has impressed at times, particularly when deployed as a centre-half, Disasi has also struggled and arguably been a weak point in our backline in some big games across the Premier League and Champions League.
That has often occurred when he’s been used as a right-back, and so it remains to be seen if Unai Emery intends to continue to utilise his versatility or play him in his more natural role.
According to FootMercato, we may well find out the answer as it’s reported that Villa are impressed with Disasi’s application and performance in training and there is a desire to keep him after his loan deal expires. It’s added that discussions with the Frenchman have started, but negotiations between the two clubs are on hold, particularly with both currently in the battle to qualify for the Champions League.
Where we finish in the Premier League table could ultimately influence our transfer strategy as a whole, as if we do return to Europe’s top table next season, that will likely have a positive impact on our budget, and allow us to attract a higher calibre of player to strengthen Emery’s squad.
If it turns out to be the Europa League or Europa Conference League, we may have to temper those expectations, and so it remains to be seen where Disasi lands in all of this, along with fellow loanees Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford.
While Disasi has made a positive impact in certain games and is an important depth option in the current group, the question must be asked as to whether or not he’s the best option to have to provide competition for Ezri Konsa?
It could be argued that there are better, younger and cheaper options on the market if Villa are looking to continue to build for the long-term future, but as per the report above, Disasi could extend his stay with us beyond this season and continue to be an important part of Emery’s plans moving forward.
Should Villa look to sign Disasi permanently, or on loan again, or should we look elsewhere?
Two point lost against Man City and Disasi too blame, forget him