Arsenal are eyeing a move to hijack Chelsea's deal to sign a top Premier League star this summer, according to reports.
The Gunners have completed a deal to sign Illan Meslier while a deal has been agreed for Christos Tzolis to join from Club Brugge, and interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has stepped up in recent days following England's elimination from the World Cup.
But the north London side are also taking a look at the market for potential defensive reinforcements following news that William Saliba could be out until 2027 with a back problem, and one star has caught their attention.
Arsenal Eyeing Maxence Lacroix
maxence lacroix
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have now entered the race to sign Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix this summer.
Lacroix, who has been clocked as one of Europe's fastest central defenders, enjoyed a fine season with the Eagles as they won the Conference League, which earned him a place in the France squad for the World Cup. The 26-year-old has been the third-choice centre-back behind Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, and replaced Saliba when he got injured in the semi-final defeat to Spain.
Those performances have seen a number of clubs show an interest, most notably Chelsea, with Palace open to a deal worth around £47m. However, it has now been revealed that the Eagles are ready to ask for more following his World Cup exploits and the growing interest in his signature.
“Chelsea have made Lacroix their priority and efforts are still ongoing to get a deal done,” one source told Caught Offside.
“Palace won’t make it easy, though, and their initial asking price of €55m (£46.7m) has risen now quite substantially.
“Palace are aware of other clubs circling. Arsenal have been monitoring his situation and they’re now stepping up their interest in a new centre-back following William Saliba’s injury."
It's believed that the south London side are now looking for between €65-70m (£55.2-59.5m) to let Lacroix leave, with new manager Pierre Sage preferring to keep him as part of his squad.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
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Arsenal Step Up Move for Defender
William SalibaStephane Mahe via Reuters
Arsenal were dealt a huge blow following news of Saliba's injury, and it's clear that Mikel Arteta wants to bring someone in to ensure they aren't left short of quality options as a result.
Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa has been linked with a move, although there is a big gap in valuation between the clubs at the moment, and Lacroix is likely to be an alternative to the England star.
While no deals are close, it's evident that the Premier League champions are ready to make moves to ensure they're able to compete again, and Lacroix's name is very much in the mix as being an option.
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