Axel Disasi has joined Aston Villa on loan from Chelsea until the end of the 2024/25 season, it has been announced.

The 26-year-old was also linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day but ultimately chose to link up with Unai Emery at Villa Park. The centre-back will offer Villa cover at the back with Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings and Matty Cash currently out injured. Villa will cover Disasi's salary and the Midlands club have paid Chelsea a £5million loan fee.

Disasi, who joined Chelsea from Monaco in a deal worth £38.7million in August 2023, struggled to break into Enzo Maresca's starting XI this campaign and at times was not even included in the matchday squad. Instead, the Frenchman was mainly limited to cup competitions and made 17 appearances throughout the season.

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Emery’s side have a Champions League last-16 tie to look forward to next month but in the meantime are only six points off the top four domestically and host Tottenham in the FA Cup at the weekend. Disasi, however, featured for Chelsea in the FA Cup third round win against Morecambe in January so will not be available for selection against Tottenham on Sunday.

In a statement Aston Villa said: "Aston Villa is delighted to announce the loan signing of Axel Disasi from Chelsea. The Frenchman joins Villa on a deal until the end of the season.

"Disasi has amassed over 300 senior club appearances as well as being capped five times at international level. The central defender has experience in the Champions League and has also represented his country at the FIFA World Cup. Welcome, Axel!"