Chelsea are said to be ramping up their efforts to address another position of need after agreeing a deal to sign Aston Villa and England superstar Morgan Rogers. The Blues have agreed to pay a British-record £117million to sign Rogers, hijacking Arsenal's hopes of landing the forward.
The deal is a huge statement from the Blues, who are hoping to at least finish in the top four next season after missing out on Europe altogether last term. But there is more work to do, with Xabi Alonso needing to improve a position that has been in need of upgrade for some time at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have been in desperate need of a new centre-back, and it looks as though they will finally address that need this summer.
Chelsea ramp up Lacroix talks
maxence lacroix
Crystal Palace and France centre-back Maxence Lacroix is Chelsea's number one centre-back target this summer, and with Rogers agreed, they are moving on to the potential signing of the Frenchman.
GiveMeSport's Ben Jacobs posted on X: "Chelsea have now held formal talks with Crystal Palace over a move for Maxence Lacroix. #AFC also appreciate Lacroix. Palace value the French centre-back at at least £55m. Jan Paul van Hecke's move to Spurs being used as a yardstick."
With Chelsea agreeing the £117million fee to sign Rogers, it remains to be seen how much they are going to be able to spend on other positions, keeping Profit and Sustainability Rules. Sales will be made this summer, but £50million or so was spent on Marco Palestra, and if Lacroix is combined with Rogers, the spending total will already be above £200million, with other positions also likely needing to be addressed. Palace are tough negotiators, so it's unlikely Chelsea will manage to force the asking price down.
Glasner's praise for Chelsea target Lacroix
Oliver Glasner
Lacroix has been a vital player for Palace, playing a key role before Marc Guehi's departure and going on to be the leader of the defence after it. Oliver Glasner said of the Frenchman's growth as a player at the club: "It took him a little bit of time at the beginning. A new environment, with new players. He's highly accepted in the dressing room. He speaks together with Chris (Richards) and with Marc (Guehi)... they built a unit and he's very important to this... He's a leader, but I still think that he has potential to improve in every part (of his game).”
“He's quite young for his Premier League season and I think he's doing an amazing job for us. I'm sure that he will make steps forward over the next years.”
Speaking after Lacroix was called up by France, Glasner added: "I spoke to Maxence two years ago, it was his dream to play for France, he deserves all the credit.
“At the end it's his—he deserves all the credit because he worked so hard. He is playing so consistently on a very high level. I think he already, I don't know exactly, but he has played more than 50 games already this season.”
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