Chelsea are prepared to make a £50 million approach for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix after the FIFA World Cup, as per reports. The Blues are looking to rebuild their roster after a disappointing 2025-26 season in which they finished tenth in the Premier League.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Blues have decided to move for the France international, who is with Les Bleus at the World Cup. Crystal Palace are open to selling him and an agreement could be reached over the transfer before the end of the tournament, even.
Chelsea brought in Spanish tactician Xabi Alonso to coach their talented squad after their disappointing campaign that saw them go through three coaches. They have been in the market for a new centre-back for months after those presently on their books have failed to prove their worth.
Maxence Lacroix has been at Crystal Palace since 2024, having joined them from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg. He has played 98 times for the Eagles in two seasons, featuring prominently as they won the UEFA Conference League at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Chelsea consider the 26-year-old France international to be of Premier League-proven quality and able to immediately improve their squad, which is undergoing a rebuild. They are reportedly looking to part ways with a good number of the defenders presently on their roster to raise money and create room for new additions.
Lacroix has three years left on his contract with Crystal Palace, ensuring that the South London side holds all the cards in a potential deal. They will only let him leave for Stamford Bridge if the price is right and they can find a replacement.
Chelsea agree deal to sign Serie A star: Reports
Chelsea have concluded the hijack of a deal for Serie A's Defender of the Year Marco Palestra, as per Fabrizio Romano. The Blues have reached an agreement with both player and club over the transfer, and will make the Italy international their first summer addition.
Xabi Alonso played a key role in convincing Palestra to choose Chelsea over Inter Milan, who have spent the last few months coveting him. The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive year on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, earning his first appearance for Italy, as a result of his displays.
The Blues will pay £43 million to Atalanta for his signature and sign him on a six-year deal. He will earn around £4.3 million a season, more than was offered to him by suitors Inter Milan this summer.