West Ham United Agree Deal With Chelsea As Key Delay Emerges: How Nuno Might Use Him?

West Ham United Agree Deal With Chelsea As Key Delay Emerges: How Nuno Might Use Him? West Ham United have taken a significant step towards bringing Axel Disasi back to east London after agreeing terms in principle with Chelsea over a permanent transfer. According to transfer insider Simon Phillips , both clubs have settled the framework of the deal and reached a verbal agreement with the defender. An unusual clause has been included too. Should West Ham fail to earn immediate promotion back to the Premier League, Disasi would have the option to leave under a pre-agreed buyout arrangement. West Ham United agree terms, but Axel Disasi asks for more time The move has stalled for one reason. Disasi has asked for another week before giving the final green light because he wants to assess whether genuine Premier League or Serie A interest develops into formal offers. Crystal Palace are believed to be one of the clubs monitoring the situation, leaving the French international unwilling to rush such an important decision. West Ham’s confidence comes from what they witnessed during his previous loan spell. Analysis from Declan Carr for West Ham Zone showed Disasi averaged 3.51 clearances, 2.29 ball recoveries and an 86.6% passing accuracy, numbers that convinced the club he could anchor Nuno Espírito Santo’s defence throughout a demanding Championship campaign. T4O take: Why West Ham United believe Disasi suits Nuno perfectly LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Axel Disasi of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on April 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Disasi quietly rebuilt his reputation during the second half of the 2025/26 season. Across 17 appearances in all competitions, including 14 Premier League matches, he helped West Ham record six clean sheets despite relegation. His defensive output stood out. He registered 88 clearances, 11 blocks and maintained an 87% passing accuracy, while his only goal arrived in the FA Cup against Leeds United . Nuno’s tactical setup plays directly into those strengths. He prefers a compact defensive block instead of asking his centre-backs to defend huge spaces. That approach allows Disasi to dominate aerial duels, attack crosses aggressively and organise the back line with far less exposure against quick forwards. His distribution deserves attention as well. Simple, accurate passes mixed with well-weighted long balls give West Ham a reliable platform without inviting unnecessary pressure. T4O’s opinion on West Ham United and the transfer delay T4O believes this delay should not be viewed as a warning sign. A 28-year-old defender with five France caps and World Cup experience has every reason to consider top-flight opportunities before committing to the Championship. West Ham have already reduced much of the risk by negotiating a relegation buyout clause, while Disasi knows the dressing room, understands Nuno’s demands and has already shown he can perform inside this system. From the club’s perspective, waiting another week for a proven defender makes far more sense than gambling on an unfamiliar replacement.