€15m Arsenal central defensive target signs for Monaco

Axel Disasi of Reims during the Ligue 1 match between Marseille and Reims at Stade Velodrome on August 10, 2019 in Marseille, France.

Arsenal have missed out on target Axel Disasi after the defender signed for Monaco on a five-year contract.

The 22-year-old former France youth international defender had also been linked to Southampton, Wolves and Roma but has opted to move south to Monaco from Reims in a deal worth €13m plus €2m in add-ons.

Congolese-born Disasi told the principality club’s official website: “This is a great opportunity to demonstrate my qualities at the highest level and to continue my progress in a club with high ambition.”

In April Reports claimed officials from the Gunners had made contact with the French club after watching the centre-half closely all season.

Disasi has been a regular in a Reims side that, this season, boasted the best defensive record in Ligue 1 and finished in sixth spot.

The defender had just a year left on his contract and was unwilling to extend his stay.

Arsenal had ‘been in touch’ as per Goal, to lodge a £13.2m bid for Disasi. And reliable Arsenal source David Ornstein backed up Arsenal’s interest.

Speaking on the The Ornstein & Chapman Podcast, The Athletic journalist Ornstein confirmed Arsenal have an interest in the defender.

“We know central defence is an area that they’re looking to strengthen,” Ornstein said.

“In recent days, they’ve been linked with Axel Disasi at Reims. The young French defender who’s only got a year left on his contract.

“It is true that Arsenal have been tracking him over the last year or so – as have many other clubs.”

Meanwhile, Ainsley Maitland-Niles has reportedly been put up for sale by Arsenal as the Gunners desperately try to raise cash this summer.

The 22-year-old, who was a key figure on the left of midfield in Arsenal’s recent FA Cup win, has become the first high-profile casualty of Arsenal’s cost-cutting.

The Sun reports that Arsenal desperately need to raise some finance to fund the new contract their are offering to Pierre-Emerick Aubaumeyang.

Maitland-Niles made 32 appearances for Arsenal this season, including nine following the restart after the enforced break due to Covid-19.

The paper claim that Maitland-Niles “was clearly highly thought of by Mikel Arteta” but the Spaniard has had to sacrifice the midfield in order to rebuild his squad.

In fact The Telegraph claim that Arteta wanted to keep the talented player, but the board have overruled him and made him available for transfer.

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