In a blow to Erik ten Hag’s plans, Chelsea has swooped in and secured Axel Disasi’s signature, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the deal after Manchester United’s talks failed to materialize.

While the Red Devils have been proactive in strengthening their squad this summer, bolstering their midfield, attack, and securing a new goalkeeper, there has been a conspicuous void in their defense.

Kim Min-jae of Napoli was believed to be atop Man Utd’s centre-back shortlist, but any potential move hinged on the club first parting ways with one of their existing centre-backs.

So far, satisfactory bids for Harry Maguire have eluded the club, with West Ham’s £20m offers, both in loan and permanent deals, being rejected. United reportedly values Maguire closer to £40m.

This opened the door for Bayern Munich, who wasted no time in securing Kim’s services. According to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd’s primary alternative was Axel Disasi from Monaco.

Both Manchester United and Newcastle were vying for the 25-year-old French international, and Romano, in his latest column for Caught Offside, confirmed that talks took place with Disasi’s camp.

However, Chelsea emerged as the frontrunner and swiftly reached an agreement with Monaco. With Wesley Fofana undergoing ACL surgery, the Blues took advantage and secured Disasi, who will compete alongside Thiago Silva at right centre-back.

According to Romano, any hopes of a last-minute hijack from Manchester United have been dashed, with the player’s camp confirming that no official bid was ever sent to Monaco.

Romano revealed, “Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has a new centre-back with a deal for Axel Disasi from Monaco. Here we go. An agreement is in place for the €45m deal – it will be completed this week, with a medical already booked for Monday, and right after that Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu will replace Disasi at Monaco.”

While there was previous interest from Man Utd and Newcastle, the window of opportunity has now closed, leaving Chelsea to complete the signing.

The interest in Disasi was particularly high within the Chelsea board, with Lawrence Stewart, co-sporting director with Paul Winstanley, holding special interest, having worked with the player during his time at Monaco.

Chelsea had previously signed Benoit Badiashile from Monaco in January, but with Fofana’s injury, the acquisition of another centre-back became a necessity.

As for Manchester United, their focus now shifts to potential alternatives on their centre-back shortlist. Any further moves are likely to be contingent on the successful sale of Harry Maguire.

While Ten Hag’s transfer dream may have been shattered, Chelsea’s swift action secures a valuable addition to their defense, enhancing their options and adding depth to their squad for the upcoming season.