Chelsea are on the brink of a deal to sign Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix.
The Blues want to improve their defence this summer, and Lacroix is in their sights, but Palace have set a relatively high asking price of £55m, which potential suitors have thus far been unwilling to pay.
However, it is clear to see why Palace aren’t willing to sell the Frenchman on the cheap, as he was one of their key players in the Premier League last season, appearing for 3,087 minutes, which is the second-highest number of any outfield player, behind Tyrick Mitchell.
The 26-year-old also excels when it comes to winning back possession, averaging 1.3 interceptions per 90, with only Chris Richards recording a higher average for the Eagles in the 2025-26 season.
Lauded as “amazing” by Crystal Palace content creator Luke Weaser-Seychell, the defender could now be due a big move, and there is seemingly a good chance he will be arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea hold talks to sign Maxence Lacroix
Ben Jacobs revealed on social media on Thursday evening that deal is close to completion.
“Chelsea closing in on a deal to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.
“Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has been involved in negotiations and the overall package is expected to higher than Jan Paul Van Hecke’s £52m move from Brighton to Spurs.”
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Why should Chelsea sign Maxence Lacroix? |
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Experience |
BlueCo have been widely criticised for their policy of signing younger players, but they would be bucking that trend by signing the former Wolfsburg man. At 26, he could be in his prime years, and he has built up a wealth of experience, making 111 Bundesliga appearances, and 70 in the Premier League. Moreover, the seven-cap France star is also an established international, who featured at the World Cup. |
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Consistency |
The Palace centre-back has missed very few games since making the move to Selhurst Park ahead of the 2024-25 season, featuring in 70 of their 76 league games during that time. He also played a major role in the Eagles lifting the Europa Conference League, appearing 14 times, which suggests he would be a reliable option for Xabi Alonso. |
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Defensive issues |
Chelsea need to sign a new defender, as their backline looked very poor at times last season. For instance, they succumbed to a 8-2 aggregate defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16. The Blues also failed to keep a clean sheet in their final 16 Premier League matches. |
Alex Crook, who broke the story with Jacobs, has confirmed they have met the Eagles’ £55m price tag. Chelsea have also offered Palace the chance to sign Axel Disasi.
Chelsea eyeing cheap deal for John Stones
As their search for a new centre-back continues, Chelsea have also set their sights on John Stones, who recently left Manchester City upon the expiration of his contract.
Lacroix remains their top target, but with the Manchester City man available as a free agent, he could be brought in to boost their depth in the event that Disasi leaves.
