West Ham United has signed Chelsea defender Axel Disasi on loan until the end of the season.

Disasi, who has been capped five times by France, expressed his excitement about joining West Ham, saying, “I’m very happy to be here, to have this opportunity. I’m just ready to fight and to play games.”

The defender had a turbulent deadline day, with the transfer confirmation delayed after West Ham submitted a deal sheet to earn a two-hour extension to complete the signing. The loan fee is reported to be £1.7m.

Disasi had not played for Chelsea in over a year and was placed in the club’s “bomb squad” after failing to secure a move last summer. He was deemed surplus to requirements by former head coach Enzo Maresca.

Before joining West Ham, Disasi spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa. He joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023 in a £38m deal.

Disasi is determined to prove his worth at West Ham, saying, “The club has given me the opportunity to show my quality on the pitch. I spoke with all the people here, and I feel that they really wanted me, so that’s why I’m here.”

West Ham are currently third bottom in the Premier League, six points off safety, and hopes Disasi’s experience will help them avoid relegation.