Football
3 Feb 2025
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Tottenham Make Axel Disasi Decision as Crystal Palace Reject ‘Major’ Centre-Back Offer

Axel Disasi and Marc Guehi on the radar of Tottenham / IMAGO / Visionhaus | Sebastian Frej

Tottenham Hotspur have made a definitive decision regarding their pursuit of Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, while also facing a setback in their attempts to acquire Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. With injuries wreaking havoc on their defensive lineup this season, Spurs have been actively searching for reinforcements, particularly in the centre-back position. However, as the transfer deadline approached, their efforts have been met with a series of challenges.

In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind Tottenham’s decision to step back from pursuing Axel Disasi, their failed attempt to bring Marc Guehi to North London, and the ongoing issues Spurs face in terms of defensive depth. Additionally, we will explore how these developments impact the club’s season and their plans moving forward.

Tottenham’s Centre-Back Dilemma and the Need for Reinforcements

Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been plagued by defensive injuries, leaving them vulnerable at the back and with a lack of options in central defence. Key defenders Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin are both currently sidelined, with no clear indication of when they will return to action. This has forced Spurs to explore the transfer market for potential defensive reinforcements ahead of the January deadline.

The club’s defensive woes have been further compounded by the fact that Micky van de Ven, one of their more reliable centre-backs this season, was rested during their recent match against Brentford. Van de Ven had only just made his return to the starting lineup after a long-term hamstring injury. The need for additional cover in defence has become increasingly urgent, prompting Tottenham to look at options both in the Premier League and beyond.

One of the players Spurs were reportedly targeting was Chelsea’s Axel Disasi. The French centre-back, who has struggled to secure regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge under manager Enzo Maresca, was seen as a potential solution to Tottenham’s defensive crisis. Disasi has proven himself in the Premier League and could have provided much-needed depth and experience to Spurs’ backline. However, despite the club reportedly agreeing to a loan deal with Chelsea, Tottenham have ultimately decided to abandon their pursuit of the defender.

Tottenham’s Decision to End Interest in Axel Disasi

Tottenham’s interest in Axel Disasi appeared to be gaining momentum after a loan agreement between Chelsea and Spurs was reportedly in place. The move hinged on the approval of Disasi himself, which, according to recent reports, suggests that the player may not have been keen on the move to Tottenham. The fact that Spurs are currently languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table and struggling to secure a consistent run of form could have influenced Disasi’s reluctance to join the club.

While Disasi was seen as a potential reinforcement for the remainder of the season, Tottenham’s decision to step back from the deal came after a series of developments. Fabrizio Romano, a trusted transfer journalist, revealed that Aston Villa—who had been pursuing Disasi as well—had also stepped away from the talks, making it clear that Villa was not an option for the French defender either. This leaves Disasi’s future uncertain, with no immediate club ready to take on the player, at least until further discussions occur in the next transfer window.

This change of heart from both Aston Villa and Tottenham suggests that the pursuit of Disasi may be revisited in the future, particularly if the player’s situation at Chelsea doesn’t improve. For now, Tottenham will have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements as the winter transfer window draws to a close.

Crystal Palace Reject Tottenham’s Record-Breaking Bid for Marc Guehi

While Tottenham faced disappointment in their pursuit of Disasi, the club’s efforts to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi were also unsuccessful. Spurs reportedly made a club-record bid for the England international, with sources indicating that the offer was valued at £70 million. The bid, which was broken down into £55 million plus an additional £15 million in add-ons, was made in an attempt to bring Guehi to North London and strengthen their defence.

However, Crystal Palace quickly rejected the offer, with reports indicating that they had no intention of parting ways with their key defender in the middle of the season. Guehi has been one of the standout performers for Palace in recent years, and the club is keen to retain his services, especially given their current position in the Premier League and their ambitions to build a competitive squad for the future.

This rejection comes as no surprise, as Guehi has long been seen as one of the Premier League’s brightest young centre-backs. His leadership, composure on the ball, and ability to read the game have made him a crucial figure in Palace’s defensive setup. Although Guehi’s future at the club may eventually be up for debate, with only one season left on his current contract come next summer, Palace are in no rush to sell.

The failed bid for Guehi marks another setback for Tottenham, who have now turned their attention to alternative defensive options. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Spurs will need to act quickly if they hope to strengthen their defence before the window closes.

Tottenham’s Centre-Back Options: Kevin Danso and Other Alternatives

While the pursuit of Axel Disasi and Marc Guehi has not yielded immediate results, Tottenham did manage to bolster their defensive options earlier in the window by bringing in Kevin Danso on loan. Danso, formerly of Southampton, has been impressive during his time at French club Lens, where he spent three and a half seasons. His performances in Ligue 1 earned him a move to the Premier League, where he will look to make an impact at Spurs.

The signing of Danso provides Spurs with another option in defence, although it remains to be seen whether he can make an immediate impact in the Premier League. With the team already facing several injury issues, Danso’s arrival is a positive step, but Tottenham will likely continue to search for additional reinforcements as the season progresses.

Despite the setbacks in their pursuit of Disasi and Guehi, Spurs are still active in the transfer market and will no doubt explore other defensive options before the window closes. With their current squad struggling to maintain consistency, particularly at the back, strengthening the defence remains a top priority for manager Antonio Conte.

What Does This Mean for Tottenham’s Season?

The failure to secure a centre-back before the transfer deadline could have significant implications for Tottenham’s season. With key defenders still sidelined and the club struggling to find consistency, Tottenham must rely on their existing squad to maintain their position in the Premier League and remain competitive in other competitions.

If Tottenham’s injury woes continue, they may find themselves vulnerable in the second half of the season, particularly with the race for European qualification heating up. The lack of a solid defensive option could hinder their chances of breaking into the top four and securing a Champions League spot, which has become a crucial objective for the club.

Furthermore, the inability to land their top defensive targets could leave Tottenham scrambling for reinforcements in the summer transfer window. With only a few days left in the current window, Spurs may need to turn to temporary fixes or other players who can provide immediate cover until the end of the season.

Conclusion

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Axel Disasi and Marc Guehi highlights the club’s ongoing defensive struggles and their determination to strengthen their backline. While both deals ultimately fell through, the club’s decision to end their interest in Disasi and face rejection for Guehi signals that Spurs will need to explore other options before the transfer deadline passes. With injuries continuing to disrupt their defensive setup, Tottenham’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot and remaining competitive in the Premier League rest heavily on their ability to find reinforcements, either now or in the coming months.

As the transfer window nears its conclusion, Tottenham will be hoping that the late stages bring the right solution to their defensive crisis. However, with key defensive targets slipping through their fingers, the club’s leadership will have to act decisively in the coming weeks to ensure they don’t fall further behind in their bid for top-four finish.

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