Crystal Palace have been working on a deal to sign FC Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima amid doubts surrounding the future of Maxence Lacroix.
Chelsea have been in formal talks to sign Lacroix, with the Frenchman’s future at Selhurst Park seemingly in serious doubt, but Palace are unwilling to sanction a sale for any fee below £55m.
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How likely is Maxence Lacroix to join Chelsea? |
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Lacroix keen on the move |
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the centre-back wants to make the move to Stamford Bridge, and talks have been ongoing with his agents. As such, a move to the capital is looking likely, should BlueCo be able to agree a fee. |
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Affordable price tag |
Chelsea have been willing to splash the cash this summer, spending £116m to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. Alejandro Garnacho is closing in on a move to Villa Park, which could give the Blues even more money to play with, indicating the £55m price tag could be affordable. |
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Chelsea facing rival interest |
However, there could still be a late twist, as Arsenal have also opened talks to sign the 26-year-old, as their search for a new centre-back continues. Mikel Arteta needs to strengthen his defence, as William Saliba suffered a back injury at the World Cup. Should the Frenchman need to undergo surgery, it may increase the likelihood of the Gunners making a move for his compatriot. |
The Eagles have needed to sign a centre-back since the January transfer window regardless, as a result of Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City, and Matsima could be a solid option, having impressed for Augsburg since joining in the summer of 2024.
In the Bundesliga last season, the Frenchman averaged 1.8 interceptions and 1.2 blocks per 90, ranking first in the Augsburg squad on both metrics, although he was limited to just 18 appearances due to a tendon tear.
Scout Jacek Kulig was also full of praise for the 24-year-old’s displays in the prior campaign, lauding him as “excellent” in March 2025, at which point the centre-back had won 74% of the aerial duels he’d contested.
Lacroix won 111 aerial duels in the Premier League last season, which was the joint-eighth highest in the top flight, so it will be important for the Eagles to bring in a like-for-like replacement, and Matsima’s ability in the air suggests he fits the bill.
Crystal Palace eyeing Matsima as Lacroix replacement
According to a report from Foot Mercato, Crystal Palace are now working behind the scenes to sign the Augsburg star, who is seen as a successor to Lacroix.
The Colombes-born centre-back is described as ‘one of the best defenders’ in the Bundesliga, courtesy of his performances last season, but it is unclear whether Augsburg would be willing to cash-in, as he remains under contract until 2030.
Matsima isn’t the only centre-back in Palace’s sights though, and they now hold an advantage in the race to sign Toulouse star Charlie Cresswell. Talks have already been opened regarding a deal for the Englishman.
