Monaco defender Disasi agrees deal with Chelsea.

Chelsea have reached a preliminary agreement with Monaco for the transfer of defender Axel Disasi, with a fee of around £38.6m.

Disasi, who has two years remaining on his contract, has been linked with Manchester United and Newcastle during this transfer window.

Monaco wanted to secure a replacement before allowing Disasi to leave, and they have recently agreed a deal with Southampton for defender Mohammed Salisu.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino had previously hinted at the possibility of entering the transfer market following the ACL injury sustained by centre-back Wesley Fofana.

Fofana is currently recovering from knee surgery, and Pochettino expressed optimism regarding the player’s return during Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the United States.

As of now, Pochettino has several options for the center-back position including Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained last season.

Disasi, who can play as a right-sided center-back, will provide Chelsea with more defensive depth. He joined Monaco from Reims in 2020 and represented France at the 2022 World Cup, making three appearances.

This signing will be Chelsea’s third major acquisition of the summer, following the arrivals of forwards Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkuku from Villarreal and RB Leipzig, respectively.

In other news, Chelsea recently emerged as champions of the inaugural Premier League Summer Series after defeating Fulham 2-0.

ALSO READ: Chelsea sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi for £38m.