‘Told he can leave’ - Aston Villa could now complete deal for £38m powerhouse amid Chelsea exclusion claim

Aston Villa have been provided a clear path to seal a defensive signing this summer after Chelsea decided to exclude Axel Disasi from their 27-man squad for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Disasi, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park, has been transfer listed by the Blues and is expected to seal a move away from Stamford Bridge. Unai Emery is eager to add depth and quality to his defence in the coming months, especially on the right-hand side, so Disasi could end up being a target for a permanent move.

Birmingham World understands Villa are assessing their options and are unlikely to bring in a new defender before the PSR deadline on June 30, though incoming business will ramp up following that date. A move for Disasi at this stage is unlikely as Chelsea are expected to drive a hard bargain - as showcased by the £5 million loan fee they charged - and Villa are considering alternatives.

Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera and Osasuna’s Enzo Boyomo are believed to be on the club’s shortlist, whereas interest could be reignited in Netherlands international Lutsharel Geertruida. Villa tried to sign Geertruida last summer and joined Bundesliga club RB Leipzig instead, though he could now be available as Sky Germany recently reported that the club and player are “dissatisfied and open to a change”.

Disasi joining permanently, albeit unlikely as mentioned, isn’t completely out of the question. The 27-year-old only played 10 times after joining in February and ended up costing - including the fee and wages - £650,000 per appearance and £10,586 per minute of action. Those figures represent extremely poor value for money but Villa could try and negotiate a better permanent fee.

Five times a senior France international, Disasi has played 61 times for Chelsea since joining from AS Monaco for £38 million in 2023. Before signing for the Blues, Disasi featured on 129 occasions for Monaco as one of the Ligue 1 club’s star players. Regaining such an important status could be what Disasi is looking for when looking for his next team.

Aston Villa targeting several other positions

Away from centre-back, Villa are understood to be keen to add talent at striker, on the left wing, in central midfield, at right-back and in between the sticks. Real Betis hot prospect Jesus Rodriguez has been lined up to improve the left wing position, while the likes of Lucas Chevalier and Mike Maignan are on the goalkeeper shortlist.

Rosenborg wonderkid Sverre Nypan was meant to be Villa’s exciting central midfield addition but the Norwegian has instead decided to join Manchester City in a deal worth merely £12 million. Albeit less of a priority than other areas of the field, Emery would like to add another player in the centre of the park to compete with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, John McGinn and Ross Barkley.

Meanwhile, Marco Asensio could still join permanently from Paris Saint-Germain as Birmingham World understands talks have been held with the Parisiens over a long-term deal. As Asensio is heading into the final 12 months of his contract at the Parc des Princes, Villa are hoping they can sign him for a cut-price fee.