Liverpool and Manchester United now appear to be interested in hijacking a Chelsea deal this summer. It has been a busy week at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea shocking most by hijacking Arsenal's proposed deal to sign Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers, agreeing a £117million deal with Aston Villa.
That was a huge statement from Chelsea, who are hoping to give Xabi Alonso every chance of making Chelsea a Champions League mainstay again after they missed out on Europe last season.
But there is certainly no guarantee of Chelsea winning their other transfer races, and it appears they may have fresh competition over one of their key targets.
Man Utd and Liverpool could enter Lacroix race
maxence lacroix
Chelsea want a new centre-back this summer as they look to finally address a position that has been in need of a big signing for a couple of years. Crystal Palace and France star Maxence Lacroix is the main target, according to reports, but his asking price has reportedly surged from £46.7million to between £55.2million and £59.5million.
According to CaughtOffside, that could open the door to interest from some of the Premier League's biggest clubs. One reported source said: "Chelsea have made Lacroix their priority and efforts are still ongoing to get a deal done. Palace won’t make it easy, though, and their initial asking price of €55m 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. Look out for Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City as well.”
Lacroix's situation is now expected to be resolved over the coming weeks due to his World Cup finishing on Saturday with a third-place playoff defeat to England.
Lacroix a consistent centre-back
Oliver Glasner
Lacroix was another example of Crystal Palace's excellent business, signed in advance of losing Marc Guehi, and he went on to become Guehi's centre-back partner due to the Eagles managing to keep the England international. Lacroix played a key role in the club's FA Cup and Conference League success, and his rise culminated in a France World Cup squad spot this summer.
Last season, then Palace boss Olvier Glasner said; "He plays incredible, so consistent. The level he is showing is really high and we can rely on him.”
Chelsea and others are now looking to recruit that consistency, and there appears to be some serious competition brewing.
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