Maxence Lacroix could be the second Chelsea signing of a new era at Stamford Bridge after Xabi Alonso got his hands on Marco Palestra
06:00, 02 Jul 2026
Maxence Lacroix
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Chelsea want to sign Maxence Lacroix this summer(Image: Marc Atkins)
Marcel Desailly has backed Chelsea to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, but believes the Blues would still need to add a 'real experienced leader' to the backline.
football.london understands that Chelsea are interested in signing the 26-year-old defender, whose contract at Selhurst Park expires in June 2029. The Blues identified Lacroix as a priority target earlier this summer and lodged an official enquiry last week, as they prepare to bolster Xabi Alonso's side.
It's understood that Chelsea remain in talks with the Eagles over the France international, who's thought to be keen on moving across the capital. As it stands, though, the Blues are yet to agree a fee with Crystal Palace and, at the time of writing, sources at Stamford Bridge insist that an official bid hasn't been submitted.
Speaking to football.london on behalf of SportsCasting, Desailly endorsed the potential signing of Lacroix despite reservations about his 'experience'. The Blues cult hero said: "I think that Maxence Lacroix would be a decent signing for Chelsea.
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"I don't want to criticise the player, I would just say that yes, it's a good move for the club. Alonso likes to play with three at the back. He wants to implement his ideas and his philosophy with a back three.
"I think it’s a good move for him and a good move for Chelsea. Lacroix is an international player, playing in a magnificent team that Didier Deschamps has assembled. I cannot criticise an international player who has represented France at the World Cup."
Although Desailly described Lacroix as a "decent signing", he outlined his desire to see Chelsea sign an experienced leader from an elite-level club. The 57-year-old, who won the FA Cup with the Blues in 2000, continued: "Is he what Chelsea really needs?
Maxence Lacroix
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Chelsea are working to sign Maxence Lacroix(Image: Sebastian Frej)
"I actually think they need a centre-back with more experience, a player that is already established and can come in and lead the defence. We need a real experienced leader at the heart of the defence.
"Don't ask me for a name; it is Alonso and the club’s job to find the correct player that matches his philosophy. It's a good move for Lacroix, but I really want to see them target a player who has played at an elite level for a similar-sized club as Chelsea, with similar pressures, not a player from a smaller club than Chelsea."
Desailly singled out Enzo Fernandez and Wesley Fofana as players whom Alonso should build around next season. The Frenchman also claimed that Chelsea need to sign a deadly number nine.
Joao Pedro applauds
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Joao Pedro scored 20 goals and provided nine assists in his debut season for Chelsea(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
"Wesley Fofana is still there," said Desailly. "We have other good players. We need a brilliant spine, that means bringing in one experienced defender, plus Fernández if he stays, plus a striker.
"We really need a deadly number nine. Chelsea needs a spine that can compete with the Premier League’s best clubs. So yeah, Lacroix is a good player, but he doesn’t have the experience I’m looking for or what I think Chelsea needs."
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On Wednesday afternoon, Chelsea announced the transfer of Marco Palestra from Atalanta. football.london understands that the Blues forked out around £47m for the 21-year-old right-back, including add-ons, making him the first signing of a new era at Stamford Bridge.
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