Axel Disasi, a France international defender, has joined Chelsea from Monaco on a six-year contract worth 45 million euros (£38.5 million).
After Wesley Fofana suffered a serious knee injury, Disasi, 25, provides defensive cover at Stamford Bridge.
Last season, he appeared in all 38 of Monaco’s Ligue 1 games.
“I am really proud to be able to be a part of this great family,” Disasi told Chelsea’s website.
“I hope to achieve very big things here. To win titles. I will do everything I can to achieve those objectives. I am very ambitious.”
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Disasi has played four times for France, including a cameo in the 2022 World Cup final loss to Argentina, and has made 129 appearances for Monaco since joining from Stade de Reims in August 2020.
The centre-back is Chelsea’s sixth summer signing, joining Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Angelo Gabriel, and Diego Moreira as new manager Mauricio Pochettino continues to shape the squad.
Disasi will compete for a starting spot with Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, and Levi Colwill – who signed a new contract on 2 August – while compatriot Benoit Badiashile will miss the start of the Premier League season with a hamstring injury and Fofana is expected to be out for several months after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament.
“I can’t wait to feel the energy of the fans,” Disasi added.
“The fervour of the fans in the Premier League, the atmosphere, the intensity of the games – it is something that excites me.”
Chelsea’s pre-season schedule concluded on Sunday with a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago, ending their undefeated US tour, and the focus now shifts to their first Premier League game of 2023-24, against Liverpool, at home on 13 August.
Pochettino has been tasked with overhauling the squad while also trying to improve on last season’s Premier League finish of 12th.
“Axel has showcased his quality over several seasons in France, and that has deservedly led to recognition on the international stage,” co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said on the club’s website.
“He is ready to take the next step in his career and we are delighted that will be with Chelsea. We welcome him to the club and look forward to him joining up with Mauricio Pochettino and his new teammates in the days ahead.”
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