Chelsea set a price for Newcastle to buy undesirable Mauricio Pochettino signing

Newcastle United are apparently interested in signing Axel Disasi, but are turned off by Chelsea’s asking price for the defender.

Chelsea has a huge number of players to offload this summer, and the process has already begun, with Noni Madueke poised to join rivals Arsenal for £52 million.

Axel Disasi joined Chelsea from Monaco for £39m (Photo: Getty)

Kepa Arrizabalaga has already transferred to the Emirates, and fellow goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is moving to Bournemouth for £25 million.

Disasi is another misfit star who has no future at Chelsea, despite just joining from Monaco two years ago for £39 million.

He was a first-team regular under Mauricio Pochettino but fell out of favour with Enzo Maresca, who loaned him out to Aston Villa for the second half of last season.

The Villans paid more than £5 million for his talents, but after only 10 appearances, they have decided not to seek a permanent move for the France international.

Disasi still has four years on his contract, but after being left out of the Blues’ Club World Cup roster, it is unlikely that he will play for the west London side again.

Disasi spent the second-half of last season on loan at Aston Villa (Photo: Getty)

Villarreal are interested in the centre-back, who can also play right-back, but it is reported that Disasi prefers to stay in the Premier League, giving Newcastle an advantage.

Eddie Howe is looking to boost his team ahead of next season’s Champions League comeback, with Anthony Elanga recently signing from Nottingham Forest and James Trafford due to arrive from Burnley.

The Magpies have long been interested in Marc Guehi, but with the Crystal Palace captain under consideration by Liverpool, their focus has shifted to Disasi.

However, there is a catch: according to L’Equipe, Chelsea wants €30 million (£26 million) for the 27-year-old, which is turning off possible bidders.

Meanwhile, Chelsea icon John Obi Mikel believes the club’s defensive options should be improved. ‘I definitely believe that we require another elite centre-back to complement Levi Colwill.

“Tosin Adarabioyo is a fine player, but he is not a Chelsea type defense. Benoit Badiashile did the same thing.

‘We need to bring in another great center-back like [William] Saliba or Gabriel [Magalhaes].’

‘Real chance’ Newcastle Eye Conor Gallagher Coup as Talks Intensify Behind the Scenes

Newcastle United are reportedly exploring a move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, with sources suggesting there is now a “real chance” of a deal being completed. The potential transfer is being discussed at senior levels, with a fee said to be within reach for the Tyneside club. Gallagher has long been admired by Eddie Howe and is viewed as a perfect addition to strengthen the heart of the Magpies’ midfield.

Gallagher’s future at Chelsea has been the subject of intense speculation. Despite his prominent role last season, questions remain about whether he fits into the long-term vision under the current Stamford Bridge setup. With contract talks reportedly stalling, Chelsea may be willing to cash in to balance the books and fund their own summer business.

Newcastle, on the other hand, are eager to reinforce their midfield options. With European football now part of the club’s expectations, adding depth and quality has become essential. Gallagher’s energy, work rate, and ability to play multiple midfield roles make him an ideal fit for Howe’s high-intensity, dynamic system.

There’s also a growing belief that Gallagher himself is open to the idea of a move to St. James’ Park. He is said to be excited by the club’s trajectory, the potential to play regular football, and the opportunity to feature in a side with growing ambition. His admiration for Howe’s coaching style and Newcastle’s upward momentum could prove key in swinging the deal.

Sources close to the deal suggest negotiations are progressing, though a formal agreement has not yet been struck. Newcastle are believed to be confident that Chelsea’s valuation is not beyond reach. With the two clubs maintaining an open line of communication, there is optimism that a solution can be found.

Gallagher’s Premier League experience is a major plus. He has shown he can handle the demands of top-flight football, and his performances for both Chelsea and Crystal Palace in previous campaigns have earned him widespread praise. His ability to press, cover ground, and chip in with goals makes him one of the most well-rounded midfielders available on the market.

For Newcastle, the addition of Gallagher would offer another gear in the middle of the park. While the club already boasts talents like Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, Gallagher would bring a fresh dimension with his relentless engine and box-to-box instincts. He could also help relieve pressure on current starters, allowing more rotation during busy fixture periods.

The potential deal is being watched closely by other clubs. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham have also been linked with Gallagher in recent months, but Newcastle’s financial strength and sporting project currently give them the edge. With talks advancing steadily, rival suitors may struggle to match the package being prepared on Tyneside.

Chelsea’s willingness to part with Gallagher may surprise some, but with their squad overhaul continuing and financial regulations looming, player sales are inevitable. Gallagher, despite his popularity with fans, may be viewed as one of the more expendable assets in terms of generating pure profit from the academy pipeline.

Eddie Howe has made no secret of his admiration for Gallagher. The Newcastle boss is believed to have personally highlighted the midfielder as a priority target in planning meetings. Howe sees Gallagher not only as a reliable option but as someone who could thrive in Newcastle’s demanding tactical environment.

Gallagher’s arrival would also reinforce the club’s push for a younger, hungrier squad. The midfielder fits the profile Newcastle are seeking—talented, homegrown, Premier League-proven, and still with room to grow. His character and leadership qualities are another bonus, aligning with the culture Howe is fostering within the dressing room.

If completed, the transfer would likely be one of Newcastle’s most significant deals of the summer. It would underline their intent to keep progressing and challenge more consistently for top-four spots and trophies. Gallagher’s signing would be a statement to both fans and rivals.

Discussions are expected to continue over the coming days, with the player’s camp also eager for clarity. Gallagher is currently assessing all options, but Newcastle are firmly in the mix and believed to be frontrunners at this stage. The coming weeks could prove decisive.

There’s a sense that this move could benefit all parties involved. Chelsea get to streamline their squad and bring in funds, Gallagher gets a fresh start with more guaranteed minutes, and Newcastle acquire a proven, high-energy midfielder who fits seamlessly into their plans.

Newcastle’s ownership is keen to back Howe with the right tools this window. After a quieter start to the market, landing someone of Gallagher’s stature would reignite fan excitement and build confidence ahead of the new campaign. It would also send a clear message about their transfer power.

Gallagher’s England ambitions could also be boosted by the switch. With more regular minutes and a clearly defined role at Newcastle, the midfielder would be in a strong position to stake his claim for future international tournaments.

While no deal is done yet, all signs are pointing toward growing momentum. With the fee reportedly agreeable and the player’s interest genuine, the remaining hurdles appear to be manageable. Barring any late surprises, Newcastle are in a strong position to seal the deal.

The move would mark yet another shift in Premier League dynamics, as Newcastle continue to assert themselves in the market. For Gallagher, it could be the move that defines his prime years. For Chelsea, it may be a necessary sale to realign priorities.

As fans on both sides await official confirmation, the sense of anticipation is growing. Newcastle may be on the brink of pulling off one of the coups of the window — and if they do, it could be a move that pays off handsomely on and off the pitch.