Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Crystal Palace over Axel Disasi, but the proposed deal will not provide the permanent £25million exit the Blues had been seeking.
Palace are now pushing to take the France international on loan as they reshape their defence following Maxence Lacroix’s move in the opposite direction earlier this summer.
RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins reports that Chelsea and Palace have agreed a paid season-long loan with no option to buy.
Personal terms are not yet agreed, with talks continuing between Palace, Disasi and his representatives.
Axel Disasi Chelsea exit takes unexpected turn
The structure represents a significant change from Chelsea’s previous position.
ReadChelsea reported on Tuesday that the Blues wanted around £25m for Disasi, with a loan containing an obligation or option to buy considered a possible compromise.
Neither mechanism is included in the agreement now reached with Palace.
Chelsea therefore gain an immediate solution to Disasi’s uncertain position under Xabi Alonso, but they do not secure a guaranteed permanent departure.
There could still be a longer-term benefit.
A productive Premier League season at Selhurst Park could rebuild the 28-year-old’s market value before Chelsea attempt to sell again next summer, while the absence of an option means Palace would not have a predetermined price.
Disasi’s potential departure would also continue Alonso’s reshaping of an overloaded centre-back group.
ReadChelsea reported on Thursday that Aston Villa are targeting Tosin Adarabioyo, while other defenders have also faced uncertainty throughout the window.
Palace have made Disasi their priority to replace Lacroix, according to Hawkins.
The final decision now rests on negotiations with the player.
Chelsea have found a club willing to take Disasi, but the £25m permanent solution they had been pursuing will have to wait.
