Crystal Palace Secure Axel Disasi on Loan from Chelsea, Reject Manchester City's Approach for Adam Wharton

Crystal Palace have confirmed an agreement to sign centre-back Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea, while also informing Manchester City that promising young midfielder Adam Wharton is not available for transfer.

The move comes as Palace look to strengthen their defensive options following the departure of Maxence Lacroix, who was sold to Chelsea earlier this summer. The club had also explored the possibility of signing Josh Acheampong from Xabi Alonso's Chelsea side, but the England Under-21 international was not permitted to leave Stamford Bridge.

Disasi, 28, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Ham, is expected to undergo a medical on Friday before finalising the loan deal. His arrival aims to fill the void left by Lacroix and provide experienced defensive cover as Palace continue their Premier League campaign.

Meanwhile, Palace have taken a firm stance on the future of Adam Wharton, a highly-rated academy graduate with three years remaining on his contract. Despite interest from Manchester City, the club has made it clear that Wharton is not for sale, signaling their intent to retain the young midfielder as part of their long-term plans.

• Axel Disasi: 28-year-old centre-back joining Palace on loan from Chelsea.
• Maxence Lacroix: Sold to Chelsea, creating a defensive gap for Palace.
• Adam Wharton: England Under-21 international with three years left on his contract, not available for transfer.
• Josh Acheampong: Targeted by Palace but Chelsea refused to sanction the move.

With the transfer window entering its final week, Crystal Palace appear focused on consolidating their squad rather than selling key assets. Disasi's loan signing should bolster their defensive resilience, while keeping Wharton signals a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

Palace will next aim to integrate Disasi swiftly as they prepare for upcoming Premier League fixtures, looking to improve their position in the table with a stronger backline. The club's stance on Wharton also suggests that they are building a squad capable of sustained progress in both domestic and cup competitions.

For further details, see the original report on The Guardian.