West Ham United have endured somewhat of a dilemma at centre-back in recent days, with Graham Potter yet to have an established partnership at the heart of his defence.
Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos started the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday – subsequently keeping their first clean sheet of the new Premier League season.
However, Nayef Aguerd looks set to depart the Hammers after refusing to travel with the squad for the trip to the East Midlands – with Marseille expected to land the Moroccan before the transfer deadline.
As a result, the manager and the hierarchy have been tirelessly targeting other options in the market to try and bolster the depth in such a department.
Numerous names have been mentioned throughout deadline day, with multiple players being frequently mentioned over a switch to the London Stadium.
West Ham’s hunt for a centre-back on deadline day
Earlier today, Braga star Bright Arrey-Mbi was seen as a viable option for West Ham – with a deal seemingly heading in the right direction before the 7pm deadline.
However, a deal has since gone quiet, which has seen the Hammers’ hierarchy pursue moves for various other targets – mainly in the Premier League.
The latest name mentioned is Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, with the Frenchman currently not part of Enzo Maresca’s first-team plans for the 2025/26 campaign.
It’s been reported by journalist Fabrice Hawkins that Potter’s side have made a late approach to the Blues to try and sign the 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa.
It’s unclear if the deal is a permanent or temporary one, but the Hammers are making a last-ditch attempt to secure his signature before the window slams shut.
Why West Ham’s latest is better than Igor
Deadline day always springs up a surprise or two, with this year’s instalment being no different – with West Ham being involved in a saga to land Brighton star Igor Julio.
The Brazilian centre-back has been allowed to depart by manager Fabian Hürzeler, after dropping down the pecking order in recent months at the AMEX.
He looked set to complete a loan move to Crystal Palace, but Oliver Glasner’s side pulled the plug on the transfer – resulting in Potter’s men taking advantage in recent hours.
It’s been reported that the 27-year-old has since travelled to East London to complete a move to join the Irons – but the hierarchy face a race against time to complete the transfer.
However, despite the move for the Brazilian, they could still complete a transfer for Disasi in the closing stages of the window – further adding needed depth to the backline.
When comparing their respective stats from the Premier League last season, the Chelsea man managed to outperform him in key areas – subsequently making him a better addition for Potter and Co.
Disasi, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by one content creator, managed to win more tackles and came out on top in more aerial battles – offering a needed defensive presence given the Hammers’ tally of eight goals conceded in three league games.
Games played
13
13
Goals & assists
1
0
Tackles won
1.1
0.4
% of tackles won
50%
40%
Interceptions made
0.8
0.3
Clearances made
3.7
3.1
Progressive carries
1.7
0.8
Aerials won
1.4
0.7
Aerial success rate
62%
57%
His dominance over Igor defensively is further highlighted in his tally of clearances and interceptions made per 90 – further handing Frank the added quality he craves at the back.
In possession, the Frenchman has been just as impressive, completing more progressive carries per 90 – arguably being a great ball-playing option should the side want to play out from the back.
While both players could make the move to the London Stadium, it’s clear that Disasi would provide the side with the added quality they desperately crave in the defensive third.
The signings could play a huge part in the club’s future in the Premier League, with Potter’s side desperately needing to build on their recent triumph at the City Ground.