Report claims Southampton are confident of beating Arsenal to Axel Disasi signing

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Southampton are confident of winning the transfer battle for Stade de Reims defender Axel Disasi this summer, ahead of Arsenal.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Saints are hopeful they can complete the £13 million signature of the imposing defender. They suggest Ralph Hasenhuttl’s players are accepting that the club needs to sign new players, despite recently accepting a wage deferral due to the global health crisis. 

Tottenham and West Ham are also mentioned as being interested. However, Arsenal are believed to have been the most likely location in the Premier League for the 6ft 3ins colossus.

In mid-April, a report from L’Equipe suggested that Arsenal were keeping tabs on the player. 

The report claims that Arsenal and Monaco both made inquiries about the defensive force in January, but nothing concrete. 

The talented centre-back, who can represent both France and DR Congo at international level, was previously valued at £18 million by The Sun. However, that price-tag appears to have dropped in light of the current global health crisis and the fact Disasi’s contract expires in 2021. 

Undoubtedly, this story has potential parallels with Arsenal’s inability to sign another promising and imposing defender who Southampton eventually snapped up. 

As reported by Goal, the Gunners decided not to sign Virgil van Dijk from Celtic for £12 million because he was too ‘nonchalant’ and the now-Liverpool star ended up at Southampton. The Dutchman is now widely regarded as the best central defender in world football. 

If Disasi ends up at Southampton, Arsenal will be hoping he does not end proving to be another massive missed opportunity.