Chelsea are now making progress towards signing Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix, who could be set to join alongside Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.
Palace enjoyed another season to remember in 2025-26, winning a European trophy for the first time in their history, and Lacroix was one of their most important players, making 52 appearances in all competitions.
35 of those came in the Premier League, with the Frenchman racking up the second-highest number of any outfield player in Oliver Glasner's squad, and the Austrian singled him out for some high praise.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner celebrates with the trophy after winning the UEFA Conference League
Glasner said: “He plays incredible, so consistent. The level he is showing is really high and we can rely on him.”
Maxence Lacroix's Premier League statistics in 2025-26
3,087 minutes played
42.6 accurate passes per 90
10.9 defensive contributions per 90
1.3 interceptions per 90
2 penalties conceded
The 26-year-old then went on to represent France at the World Cup, making three appearances, and his side went on to finish in fourth place after a 6-4 defeat against England in the third-place play-off.
Chelsea making progress towards signing Maxence Lacroix
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Chelsea are now close to agreeing a fee for Lacroix, after making a £52m offer for the Palace defender, and talks have been advancing.
However, a deal is not yet over the line, as there is still a possibility the Blues will look to send a player in the opposite direction in order to reduce the monetary outlay.
Should Chelsea sign Maxence Lacroix?
Pros
Experienced in the Premier League, having spent the last two seasons with Palace
Doesn't struggle with injuries
Could be in the prime of his career at 26-years-old
Was part of a defence that conceded fewer Premier League goals than Chelsea last season
Knows what it takes to win trophies, having won three with Crystal Palace
Morgan Rogers could be set to join alongside Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea are also closing in on another Premier League star alongside Lacroix, with David Ornstein revealing they have agreed a £117m deal for the Aston Villa star, in a hijack of London rivals Arsenal.
A medical has been scheduled for Monday, and new manager Xabi Alonso is said to have been instrumental in securing the England international's signature.
Rogers picked up 10 goals and seven assists for Villa last season, and played a major role in Unai Emery's side securing a return to the Champions League, so he could be a statement signing for the Blues.
After securing the 23-year-old's signature, Alonso's side may turn their attentions towards strengthening their midfield, and the reasoning behind their interest in AS Roma star Manu Kone has now been revealed.
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