Crystal Palace‘s summer transfer window is beginning to take a few twists as Pierre Sage prepares for his first full season in charge at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles are facing growing interest in several members of the squad after ex-boss Oliver Glasner guided Palace to their first ever European trophy.
One player attracting significant attention is defender Maxence Lacroix.
The French centre-back has emerged as a target for Chelsea as the Blues continue exploring defensive additions ahead of the new season.
Fabrizio Romano confirms that Chelsea have opened talks as they assess the possibility of striking a deal for the former Wolfsburg defender.
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Lacroix quickly established himself as a key figure following his move to south London.
His performances at the heart of Palace’s defence have helped attract interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, but Chelsea are understood to be leading the pack as they look to bolster Xabi Alonso’s defence.
Any departure, which could hand the Eagles a £50m transfer fee, would still leave Palace with a major decision to make.
Sage personally wants Crystal Palace to re-sign former player, he’s keen to join
It would be a surprise move.
The defender remains one of the most important members of the squad Sage inherited, and Palace will be hoping to retain as much of their core group as possible despite growing transfer interest.
Lacroix is not the only Palace player attracting admirers, though, with Adam Wharton also subject to interest from Premier League rivals.
Questions have also surrounded the future of Daichi Kamada.
The Japan World Cup star remains an important figure at Selhurst Park, and enjoyed a productive campaign under Glasner last term, making 46 appearances in all competitions and bagging four assists en route to the Conference League final.
His ability to operate in several attacking and midfield roles has made him a valuable option within the Palace squad.
The club recently confirmed in their retained list that a new contract has been offered to the 28-year-old, and that move demonstrated Palace’s desire to secure his long-term future.
However, interest from Spain has now emerged.
Real Sociedad open talks with Daichi Kamada as Crystal Palace threatened
According to Marca journalist Matteo Moretto, Real Sociedad have opened talks with Kamada’s representatives.
The La Liga side are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing the Japan international to Spain, and his report states that contact has already taken place as Sociedad assess potential additions ahead of next season.
Kamada’s contract situation has naturally increased attention around his future.
With his current deal edging ever closer towards expiry as things stand, clubs across Europe are beginning to monitor developments.
Real Sociedad are understood to be among the clubs showing the strongest interest.
The Spanish side are looking to strengthen their squad and view Kamada as a player capable of adding experience and versatility.
Despite that interest, Palace have already made their position clear.
The offer of a new contract underlines the club’s determination to keep Kamada, and any negotiations over fresh terms are likely to be watched closely over the coming days.
What Oliver Glasner has said about Daichi Kamada’s importance to Palace
While Sage is now leading Palace into a new era, Kamada’s importance to the club as a ‘big game player’ was previously highlighted by former manager Glasner.
Speaking ahead of last season’s UEFA Conference League final, Glasner praised the midfielder’s ability to deliver in major occasions.
“Daichi seems to be a player for big games. Very often the bigger the game is, the better his performance is,” Glasner said.
“I know him now, we worked together for four years now, two years at Frankfurt and it was the Europa League final he had a fantastic performance, also scoring a penalty.
“Then when we played Champions League football, we had to win at Sporting Lisbon, he scored the 2-1, the penalty when we won and qualified for the round of last 16 in the Champions League.
“He had a fantastic performance in the FA Cup final so it seems that the bigger the games are the better Daichi is, and hopefully he proves me right tomorrow.”
Those comments underline why Palace have moved to offer the midfielder a new deal.
However, with Sociedad now making contact and interest building around his situation, Kamada’s future is likely to remain one of the major talking points right now.
Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Everton vying to sign £43m ex-Arsenal star
He’s been in exceptional form.
