Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is wanted by Chelsea this summer as the Blues look to bring in a new centre-back for incoming manager Xabi Alonso
10:51, 23 Jun 2026
Maxence Lacroix
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Chelsea have identified Maxence Lacroix as a target this summer(Image: Emilian Baldow/Icon Sport)
Chelsea have identified Maxence Lacroix as a target this summer with the Blues looking to give Xabi Alonso all the tools to be competitive in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old Crystal Palace defender enjoyed a wonderful 2025/26 campaign and is being strongly linked with an exit from Selhurst Park in the summer transfer window. Chelsea are one of the clubs interested in Lacroix, as reported by football.london at the start of the month, though he is one of several options in the centre of defence.
Palace allowed club captain Marc Guehi leave to join Manchester City in the January transfer window in what was a huge blow for the Eagles given the England international's significance in the centre of defence. Even with around a fortnight of the January window remaining when Guehi departed, Palace chose not to recruit in the centre of defence but did make an enquiry for Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong.
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The Blues rejected said approach to take Acheampong on loan swiftly and Palace ended up sticking with what they had in defence for the remainder of the season. That didn't turn out too bad for Oliver Glasner, who wrapped up his time in south London with a Conference League trophy to add to the FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs the year before.
Lacroix essentially became the leader in Palace's back-three shape when Guehi departed - usually playing alongside Jaydee Canvot and Chris Richards. Even if Lacroix stayed at Selhurst Park this summer, all of the signs point towards the Eagles looking to bring in a new central defender due to the Guehi-shaped hole at the club.
Maxence Lacroix
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JUNE 16: Maxence Lacroix #26 of France prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I Match between France and Senegal on June 16, 2026 at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)(Image: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)
An option for Palace could be Trevoh Chalobah, who is subject of long-term interest from the south Londoners. Of course, Chalobah spent the first half of the 2024/25 season on loan there before being recalled by Chelsea due to a couple of injuries in the centre of defence. The Blues centre-back quickly became a fan favourite at Selhurst Park, playing in a back three alongside Lacroix and Guehi and would be welcomed back by the majority of supporters there.
As it stands, Chelsea have eight centre-back options (who have all played senior minutes for the club) at their disposal but that number is expected to be reduced over the coming months. And, as reported by football.london on Monday afternoon, Chelsea do not consider Chalobah untouchable this summer and would be open to selling the Cobham graduate for the right price.
Trevoh Chalobah
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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Crystal Palace FC at Amex Stadium on December 14, 2024 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)(Image: Sebastian Frej/MB Media)
Cesc Fabregas' high-flying Como side are keen on the 26-year-old defender, sources say, but they are not the only suitors. Multiple Champions League clubs have expressed an interest in Chalobah, who is about to enter the final two years of his deal at Stamford Bridge (with the club having an option to trigger another year) this summer. We also know of Palace's long-term interest in Chalobah.
Chalobah won't be short of options this summer if he does decide he wants to depart. A decision in that regard will not be rushed due to Chalobah's involvement with England at the ongoing World Cup. Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Chalobah and will only consider moving him on at the right price.
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Trevoh Chalobah celebrates
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Trevoh Chalobah is not one of Chelsea's untouchables this summer(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media)
If the Blues eventually open talks with Palace over a possible deal for Lacroix, then who's to say the Eagles won't try their luck for Chalobah? Acheampong, though, is a different matter as sources close to Chelsea told football.london at the start of the month that the 20-year-old Palace target is considered untouchable by the west Londoners this summer.