Man United and Newcastle target is acquired by Chelsea in a covert £38 million transfer.

Chelsea have stealthily agreed a £38million deal in principle with Monaco for France international defender Axel Disasi.

The versatile centre-back, who is also comfortable at right-back, is now set to undergo a medical ahead of his proposed switch to Stamford Bridge.

The transfer has seemingly come out of the blue as the Chelsea hierarchy continue to turn the screw in their pursuit of new recruits ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Lesley Ugochukwu, a 19-year-old midfielder, was acquired by Stade Rennes for £23 point five million on Saturday.

Chelsea has since followed that up with yet another French player who will soon arrive.

The Athletic are reporting that Chelsea have now tied up an agreement for Disasi with Monaco after pipping Manchester United and Newcastle to his signature.

Both clubs wanted the player but have been unable to fund the move due to their failure to shift players out of the door.