Chelsea are accelerating their summer transfer business, turning their attention directly toward Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. Fresh off securing a blockbusting £117 million deal for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, the Blues are now working closely with Palace chiefs to close a deal for the 26-year-old French centre-back.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has made defensive reinforcement a top priority following the departure of Thiago Silva and ongoing concerns over squad depth. Having spent the past few seasons operating in a three-man defence at Crystal Palace, Lacroix fits Alonso’s tactical setup seamlessly. The Frenchman was a key pillar in Palace’s impressive cup runs and recently represented France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Negotiations between the two London sides have escalated to ownership level, with BlueCo executive Beghdad Eghbali and Palace chairman Steve Parish holding talks. Chelsea’s latest proposal has hovered around £52 million to £55 million, while Palace are holding firm for closer to £60 million. Personal terms are reportedly agreed, and Lacroix is eager to make the cross-London switch to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea push to wrap up their transfer business before pre-season kicks into high gear.
