Eagles Stand Firm on Wharton as Disasi Deal Nears Completion

Crystal Palace have moved swiftly to plug the gap in their backline, agreeing a loan deal with Chelsea for Axel Disasi — while slamming the door firmly shut on Manchester City's pursuit of Adam Wharton. According to Guardian Football, the 28-year-old centre-back is set to undergo his medical on Friday as the Eagles accelerate their search for defensive reinforcements following the sale of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea earlier in the window. Palace's hunt for a replacement had initially led them down a different path, with the club understood to have explored a move for highly-rated England Under-21 international Josh Acheampong. But Chelsea made it clear the young defender is going nowhere, forcing Palace to pivot towards a more experienced option. Enter Disasi. The French defender, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, brings exactly the kind of Premier League know-how that Palace crave as they look to absorb the loss of Lacroix without missing a beat. Once the medical is completed, Disasi's arrival will cap a notable stretch of business between the two clubs, with Lacroix having already made the switch in the opposite direction. While incoming business gathers pace at Selhurst Park, it is Palace's defiant stance on Wharton that may ultimately define their window. Manchester City, long-standing admirers of the elegant midfielder, have been informed in no uncertain terms that the 21-year-old is simply not for sale. Wharton still has three years remaining on his current deal, handing the South London club significant leverage in any negotiation — leverage they appear entirely unwilling to test. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, continuity at club level could also strengthen Wharton's claim to a regular place in England's plans, a factor unlikely to have escaped attention at Palace. The Eagles, meanwhile, are bracing themselves for a frantic conclusion to the transfer window. Further interest is expected in several of their key performers as rivals circle in the closing days, but the club's message to would-be suitors appears unequivocal: the prize assets are staying put. For a side that has built its reputation on smart recruitment and financial discipline, holding firm in the face of big-money approaches would send a powerful statement of intent. Disasi's impending arrival, coupled with the resolution to keep Wharton at the club, suggests Palace are plotting a path that balances squad strengthening with keeping their foundations intact — a strategy they will hope pays dividends when the season's crunch moments arrive.