Chelsea in talks with Crystal Palace over Maxence Lacroix signing
Chelsea are engaged in discussions with Crystal Palace regarding the potential transfer of defender Maxence Lacroix. Reports indicate that Palace is seeking a transfer fee exceeding the amount Tottenham paid for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton to approve Lacroix’s sale. The France international joined Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024.
The relationship between Chelsea and Crystal Palace is described as strong at the highest levels, with previous player deals including Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell. Chelsea aims to acquire a physically imposing centre-back with Premier League experience.
Transfer Negotiations Progressing
Chelsea is making substantial progress in its pursuit of Lacroix as the club’s squad adjustments continue. Lacroix has been identified as Chelsea‘s primary target for a central defensive signing throughout the summer transfer window. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed in principle with the defender’s representatives.
The player is understood to be keen on a move to Chelsea, viewing it as a significant step in his career after a notable season at Selhurst Park. Negotiations between the two clubs are reportedly reaching a critical stage. While Palace has previously declined offers from Chelsea, the London club is now nearing Palace‘s valuation, with ongoing discussions aimed at reaching a final agreement. There is growing confidence that the deal will be completed.
Lacroix is considered a key component of Xabi Alonso‘s long-term defensive strategy, as Chelsea continues to build a squad capable of competing for Champions League honours.
Squad Adjustments and Departures
The potential arrival of Lacroix at Stamford Bridge is expected to accelerate player departures. Trevoh Chalobah is reportedly close to a move to Serie A side Como. Other defenders, including Benoit Badiashile, who has attracted interest from Napoli, and Axel Disasi, are available for transfer should suitable offers emerge.
Chelsea‘s recruitment efforts extend beyond central defence. The club has already signed Marco Palestra and continues to seek a new left-back. Earlier reports indicated Chelsea‘s intention to withdraw from negotiations for Pep Chavarria if Rayo Vallecano continued to increase their demands. The club is now preparing to pursue alternative targets, including Alvaro Carreras of Real Madrid and Archie Brown from Fenerbahce. Chelsea is also monitoring Lewis Hall from Newcastle United, though Hall‘s priority is understood to be a move to Manchester United if he leaves St James’ Park this summer, complicating a potential deal for Chelsea.
In other transfer news, Morgan Rogers underwent a medical with Chelsea on Monday morning. Rogers returned from the USA on Sunday following England‘s third-place finish at the World Cup, secured by a bronze-final victory over France.
Chelsea moved swiftly to secure the deal for Rogers ahead of Arsenal, who were reportedly unwilling to match the asking price despite Rogers being their top forward target. Rogers is expected to sign a six-year contract with an option for an additional year until 2033.
The club has also brought in Geovany Quenda from Sporting, Marco Palestra from Atalanta, Denner from Corinthians, and Dastan Satpaev from Kairat Almaty. Emmanuel Emegha also joined from Strasbourg for an undisclosed fee. Player departures include Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, Andrey Santos to Man Utd, Tyrique George to Everton, and Jimmy-Jay Morgan to West Brom.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace is reportedly preparing for a potential departure of Lacroix. The club has secured Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer to bolster their defensive options and is also showing interest in Chrislain Matsima from Augsburg. Lacroix is set to start for France against England in Saturday’s World Cup third-place play-off, filling in for the injured William Saliba.
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Source: skysports.com
