Villarreal contact Chelsea defender Axel Disasi over summer transfer | OneFootball

La Liga side Villarreal contacted Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, who is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea will ask for around €30 million for the France international centre-back.

The 27-year-old has also garnered interest from Newcastle United and some Italian clubs.

Disasi arrived at Chelsea two seasons ago from AS Monaco but struggled to live up to expectations.

The former Reims star was a mainstay in his first season under Mauricio Pochettino, playing 31 Premier League fixtures.

He earned praise from pundit Jamie Carragher, who hailed him as ‘brilliant’ after a top defensive display against Manchester City.

John Terry also singled him out after that terrific performance.

However, new manager Enzo Maresca had doubts about him. Disasi’s inability to defend wide areas and read the game proved costly, and he was dropped earlier this season.

Disasi went out on loan to Aston Villa, where he was inconsistent. The Villains did not sign him permanently, leaving Villarreal to pounce.

They want to strengthen their rearguard and have turned to the Chelsea defender, but it remains unclear if they can agree a deal.

Despite finishing fifth in La Liga, only two teams in the top 11 conceded more goals than Villarreal, and they need to shore up that leaking backline.

Disasi could be their man, even though he has not particularly taken the Premier League by storm since his £38m switch from Ligue 1.