Xabi Alonso could be set to add another new player to his Chelsea squad for the 2026/27 season with a deal 'advancing quite fast'.
This week the Blues stole the headlines after confirming the signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117m.
A Villa exit for Rogers always appeared to be on the cards this summer, with Arsenal a likely destination until Chelsea sprung into action and lured him across to west London instead.
Rogers joins Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha linking up with Alonso's team for the new season and more are expected to follow before the Premier League opener against Fulham.
New Chelsea transfer 'advancing quite fast'
crystal palace lacroix
Maxence Lacroix looks to be closing in on a move to Chelsea from Crystal Palace ahead of the new season.
In a live stream on X, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated that the French international's move to Stamford Bridge is "advancing quite fast".
"Chelsea will be busy with more things," he explained. "The news of the day was about Maxence Lacroix, the defender from Crystal Palace. I'm told that this deal is advancing quite fast."
Since joining from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2024 for £18m, Lacroix has been a huge hit at Selhurst Park and has played a major role in the most successful period of the club's history.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Firstly helping the Eagles win the FA Cup with a win over Manchester City in May 2025, the club then lifted the Conference League trophy 12 months on under the guidance of Oliver Glasner.
Lacroix's form saw him called up to the French national team for the first time back in March, with the 26-year-old going on to be named in Didier Deschamps' squad for the World Cup and feature in three of their eight games in North America.
A deal that could kickstart transfer movement
Lacroixvia Reuters
The heart of defence is one position where Chelsea need to upgrade their options for Alonso if they are to get back to winning silverware season after season.
The Blues currently have a number of centre-backs on the books but there will be expected to be plenty of movement before the transfer window closes for business with question marks over a number of players.
As things stand right now, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Mamadou Sarr, Jorrel Hato, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Aaron Anselmino, Josh Acheampong and Axel Disasi are all available to Alonso.
Chelsea need to address that situation for the new boss and the likely arrival of Lacroix will possibly start the ball rolling to the Blues getting their squad in shape.