Manchester United have held ‘initial talks’ with with Monaco over a move for centre-back Axel Disasi, report The Mail.
Disasi is expected to leave Monaco in the ‘near future’, claim the newspaper, and negotiations are already said to have taken place with Manchester United.
From United’s perspective, a deal is more likely to occur in the summer, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, there will be more cash available, once a takeover is completed. BBC Sport report there are little funds for transfers this month.
Secondly, a centre-back signing will only take place if one leaves, and United are not going to make a change at the position mid-season.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Who is Axel Disasi?
Axel Disasi is a France international who featured at the World Cup. He was selected for the tournament in Qatar uncapped, and played in three matches at the tournament, including the final as a substitute.
The 24-year-old is currently under contract with Monaco until 2025. He began his career at Paris FC, then moving to Reims, before making the switch to Monaco in 2020 in a £12 million move. Arsenal had been linked with a deal beforehand, Goal reported.
Disasi has racked up 134 appearances for Monaco, scoring nine times. This season he has made 24 starts for the club already.
The defender ranks #4 in Ligue 1 for interceptions this season, FBRef report, and third for aerial duels won, with 78 per cent.
A report from Footmercato earlier this season claims Monaco are looking for 50 million Euros – which works out at £44 million.
Monaco manager Nico Kovac praised Disasi last season after he helped Monaco to a 2-0 win over PSG. He told Le Parisien: “We had to muzzle Kylian Mbappe – Disasi played a great match.”
And if you want a bit of trivia, Get Football News France report Disasi is an ‘amateur piano player’. Perhaps Alexis Sanchez’s infamous announcement video could get a second go.
Axel Disasi: Profile
- Full name: Axel Wilson Arthur Disasi Mhakinis Belho
- Age: 24
- Height: 1.90 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Nationality: French
- Date of birth: 11th March 1998
- Place of birth: Gonesse, France
- Citizenship: France, DR Congo
- Position: Centre-back
- Club: AS Monaco
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