Axel Disasi vows to copy ‘crazy’ former Chelsea defender after completing transfer from Monaco

Chelsea have announced the signing of Axel Disasi from Monaco on a contract until 2029 and the defender has revealed his ambitions for his new challenge already.

Disasi has joined Chelsea to strengthen their defence after a recent injury to fellow French centre-back Wesley Fofana. Earlier in the summer, Disasi had been linked with the likes of Man Utd and Arsenal, but Chelsea have got the deal done.

Disasi, 25, will link up with another former Monaco defender, Benoit Badiashile, in the Chelsea backline.

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said on the club’s official website: “Axel has showcased his quality over several seasons in France and that has deservedly led to recognition on the international stage.

“He is ready to take the next step in his career and we are delighted that will be with Chelsea. We welcome him to the club and look forward to him joining up with Mauricio Pochettino and his new teammates in the days ahead.”

Providing his own reaction, Disasi said: “I am so happy to be here, at this big club. I am really proud to be able to be a part of this great family, and I hope to achieve very big things here. To win titles.

“I will do everything I can to achieve those objectives. I am very ambitious.”

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Explaining his playing style, he added: “I’m a defender who likes to properly look for the ball and win it back. The best way of anticipating the opposition player’s move is by being in the best position possible.

“I like to have the ball at my feet and play passes. I like interceptions, and I like to be aggressive with the opposition, to use my physicality.

“When I was younger, I started as an attacker. When I got bigger, I moved back. As a professional I have played left-back, right or left centre-back or in a three, and with the national team at the World Cup at right-back.

“I like full-back too because it allows me to play more with the ball. I like to be offensively minded, and I can score goals.”

Disasi names five standout Chelsea influences

Disasi also reflected on some former Chelsea players he has an affinity for – and suggested he could copy an element of how David Luiz used to play for the Blues.

He explained: “I enjoyed watching [Eden] Hazard, [Didier] Drogba, [Frank] Lampard.

“I liked David Luiz a lot! He was crazy. He was so fun to watch on the pitch and he could shoot from so far out. I like to do that sometimes too!

“Also, Cesc Fabregas – I played with him for two years in Monaco and he was amazing. Those players stand out.”

Disasi is Chelsea’s latest summer signing after Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Diego Moreira, Angelo Gabriel and Lesley Ugochukwu.

He will add to a defensive department that already includes Badiashile, Fofana, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill and the exit-linked Trevoh Chalobah.