Arsenal pulled out of the race to sign Chelsea-bound Axel Disasi because they were reluctant to meet Monaco’s asking price, according to reports.
are close to securing the signing of 25-year-old international defender Disasi worth €45m (£38m).
The Gunners and had both been looking at Disasi before news broke of Chelsea’s breakthrough.
Arsenal have already signed a new defender this summer, .
United, meanwhile, after his impressive performances in pre-season on a short-term deal.
Chelsea were forced into the transfer market for a centre-back after another injury to Wesley Fofana – who is expected to be out for a meaningful period of time with a knee problem.
Disasi has knocked up four caps for  and was part of the 2022  squad, playing in the final as the French lost to Argentina.
The 25-year-old mad his professional debut for  FC, moved on to Reims and has been at Monaco since 2020, being a regular in the team for the last three seasons, scoring 10 goals in 129 games across all competitions.
Chelsea are hoping for an improvement in 2023-24 after a dismal campaign last term saw them finish 12th in the Premier League without a trophy.
Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has come in as head coach and the Blues get their season started on August 13 as they host Liverpool.
