Leeds United have emerged as frontrunners to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi this summer, with the French international’s impressive loan spell at West Ham United drawing attention across the Premier League.
With the Hammers now sitting 18th in the table and six points from safety, their top-flight status hangs in the balance – a situation that could force Disasi to seek a more stable destination.
Disasi joined West Ham on a deadline-day loan from Chelsea on 2 February 2026 for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The 27-year-old arrived at London Stadium after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge, having not played a single minute for Chelsea this season.
Since then, he has made 15 appearances for the Hammers, scoring once, and has been tasked with shoring up a defence that had conceded 48 goals prior to his arrival.
Despite his efforts, West Ham’s survival bid remains precarious. A 3-2 defeat to Chelsea – after leading 2-0 at half-time – left Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the drop zone.
Disasi himself acknowledged the challenge, telling the club’s website: “We know that the club is not at the place that it should be, but I’m here to help the team and to bring what I can to achieve our goal”.
Leeds, currently six points clear of West Ham and battling to stay above the relegation scrap, are monitoring the situation closely.
Daniel Farke’s side lost 4-0 to Arsenal in their last home outing but want a swift response to maintain their cushion. With Disasi set to return to Chelsea in July 2026 and unlikely to be in Liam Rosenior’s plans, a permanent switch is on the cards.
Sources indicate Leeds have already made contact with Chelsea regarding the £38.5m defender, viewing him as a leader who can add “personality and character on and off the pitch”.
Should West Ham suffer relegation, Elland Road chiefs believe they will move to the front of the queue to secure Disasi’s signature.
Disasi, a 2022 World Cup finalist with France, is said to prefer staying in the Premier League and in London, but Leeds’ project and guaranteed top-flight football could prove decisive.
Chelsea are expected to listen to offers, with the defender having also spent time on loan at Aston Villa last season.
