Crystal Palace are exploring a move for Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi as they continue their search for defensive reinforcements this summer.
The Eagles are interested in taking the 28-year-old to Selhurst Park on a season-long loan, but Chelsea’s demands could prove a stumbling block. The Blues are reportedly asking for a €5 million (£4.3m) loan fee for what would be a straightforward temporary deal.
That figure is currently considered by Crystal Palace to be too expensive and absurd, leaving the proposed move in doubt.
Crystal Palace need another centre-back
The Eagles are still looking to strengthen their defensive unit after losing Marc Guehi to Manchester City earlier this year. Maxence Lacroix also completed a move from Palace to Chelsea during the current transfer window.
As a result, Palace have been looking at several potential solutions, with Disasi now emerging as another option alongside Luiz Benedetti.
The Frenchman would bring plenty of experience to the squad and already knows the Premier League well.
Disasi moved to Chelsea from Monaco in August 2023 in a deal worth €45m. He enjoyed a solid first season at Stamford Bridge but subsequently fell out of favour under Enzo Maresca and was unable to reclaim his regular place.
That eventually led to a loan move to West Ham last season.
Disasi became a regular for the Hammers during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign, making 17 appearances and scoring once.
For Crystal Palace, Disasi’s Premier League experience could make him an attractive option but the loan fee is the issue.
According to reports from French journalist Santi Aouna and Foot Mercato, Chelsea want €5m simply to allow Disasi to spend the season elsewhere on loan. Palace are understood to view that demand as excessive, particularly for a deal that wouldn’t include a permanent transfer.
Chelsea and Crystal Palace have a history with loan players
The Eagles do have a history of helping Chelsea players rebuild their value during successful loan spells.
Trevoh Chalobah, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all benefited from their loan spells at Crystal Palace, making Selhurst Park a potentially attractive destination for Disasi from Chelsea’s perspective.
Whether the Blues are willing to reduce their demands remains to be seen.
For Palace, the priority is clear. They need another centre-back, but they don’t appear prepared to overpay simply to bring Disasi in temporarily. The 28-year-old remains a possible target, and his experience in English football would make him a sensible addition to the squad.
However, unless Chelsea lower their €5m demand, Palace may have to look elsewhere.
