Chelsea threaten Ten Hag with own bid for major Man Utd target planned, with Arsenal also embroiled

Erik ten Hag remains eager for Man Utd to sign Axel Disasi from Monaco if finances allow, but could now miss out to Chelsea or Arsenal, according to a report.

Disasi has been one of the main defenders to be linked with Man Utd since they missed out on the signing of Kim Min-jae to Bayern Munich. Although Ten Hag is happy for Harry Maguire to stay despite stripping him of the captaincy, the Man Utd manager may want an extra defender.

According to The Sun, Ten Hag is ‘on alert’ in case Monaco decide to cash in on Disasi. However, as things stand, their asking price is too high for Man Utd to get involved while still in takeover limbo.

Amid the uncertainty, Chelsea and Arsenal have also drafted up their own plans to sign Disasi. The report claims that Chelsea could be the main threat after selling Kalidou Koulibaly to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have already added Jurrien Timber to their defence from Ajax. It may reduce their need to remain in the race for Disasi.

Nevertheless, they have been looking to increase their squad depth ahead of their return to Champions League football. Disasi could strike up a connection with his international colleague William Saliba at the Emirates Stadium.

Realistically, though, Chelsea might be the more likely rival to Man Utd for Disasi, as long as they can persuade him they have a worthwhile project to sign up for after missing out on European qualification for next season.

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Monaco set asking price for Disasi

In order for anyone to sign him, Monaco – who came sixth in Ligue 1 last season, with Disasi featuring in all 38 of their matches – will be asking for a transfer fee in the region of £34million.

They only have the player under contract until 2025. Unlike Man Utd or Arsenal, they will not be able to offer any Champions League involvement next season.

Interestingly, the report suggests that Ten Hag has identified Disasi as someone who could take over from Diogo Dalot in his squad. However, most of the Monaco man’s appearances have come at centre-half rather than right-back.

Disasi is capable of deputising in a wider defensive role, but it is something he only does rarely. Of his 49 appearances in all competitions last season, all but three were at centre-back.

Given the Koulibaly reference, it seems Chelsea’s plans would be to use Disasi in his more natural position. As for Arsenal, the Timber comparison suggests something of a hybrid role as Mikel Arteta evolves his defensive system.

Disasi has never played in the Premier League before, spending all of his club career so far in France. However, an opportunity in English football could beckon for him soon.