Chelsea reach 'verbal agreement' for next summer transfer

20 Aug 2026 12:32 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Make us your Google favourite

Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement to send Axel Disasi on loan to Crystal Palace for the duration of the 2026-27 season.

Article continues under the video

The Frenchman was frozen out by former Blues boss Enzo Maresca back in January 2025 and after loan spells at Aston Villa and West Ham United, he is set to depart Stamford Bridge on another temporary deal this summer.

Current ETV

Axel Disasi

D (CR)

Chelsea

Axel Disasi

D (CR)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€14.6M - €17.8M

Chelsea were eager to offload Disasi on a permanent deal before the end of Deadline Day, amid transfer interest from a number of clubs across Europe, including West Ham, but they have been unable to finalise a sale agreement and they have now agreed a deal with Crystal Palace.

That is according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, who posted on X: “Verbal agreement reached between Chelsea and Crystal Palace for Axel Disasi to join Palace on a paid loan with no option to buy.

“Disasi remains Palace’s priority to replace Maxence Lacroix. Talks now ongoing with the player and his representatives. If an agreement is reached, Disasi will play for Palace this season.”

Lacroix completed a permanent move to Chelsea for a fee of €60.7 million in July and after registering interest in Blues youngster Josh Acheampong, Palace now look set to finalise an agreement for Disasi instead.

The ex-France international made 17 appearances for West Ham last season, after joining Nuno Espirito Santo’s side on loan during the January transfer window, and he earned rave reviews for his performances at the London Stadium, despite the club’s eventual relegation back down to the Championship.

© IMAGO - Axel Disasi is set to join Crystal Palace

Who else will leave Chelsea before Transfer Deadline Day?

In addition to Disasi, Chelsea are also on the verge of announcing the loan departure of fellow Frenchman Benoit Badiashile, who is set to join Napoli for the 2026-27 campaign.

Meanwhile, the club are also keen to agree a loan deal for academy forward Shumaira Mheuka, who won the Premier League 2 Player of the Year award last season after scoring 18 goals in just 19 games.

In regards to permanent departures, Chelsea are eager to sell four strikers before Deadline Day - Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Marc Guiu and David Datro Fofana - while the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto could depart if suitable offers are received.