The Arsenal linked star is undergoing his medical today before finalising the transfer, with Chelsea closing in on another major addition.
Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix after the Frenchman travelled for his medical ahead of a £52 million move to Stamford Bridge.
According to David Ornstein, Lacroix is undergoing his medical today before finalising the transfer, with Chelsea closing in on another major addition to their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
🚨 Maxence Lacroix set for medical today before joining Chelsea from Crystal Palace. ~£52m deal being finalised. 26yo centre-back to sign #CFC contract until June 2032. Chibuike Nwaiwu among alternative #CPFC options to Chrislain Matsima @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/pcDRsZHaNu
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 24, 2026
The move also ends any lingering speculation surrounding Arsenal’s interest in the 26-year-old, who had been one of several central defenders considered by the Gunners during their search for defensive reinforcements.
While Lacroix featured on Arsenal’s shortlist, the club explored a number of different options rather than making him their primary target. With William Saliba expected to miss several months after opting against surgery on his back injury, Arsenal have been assessing multiple candidates capable of strengthening Mikel Arteta’s defence.
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Chelsea, however, have acted decisively to secure Lacroix’s signature, agreeing a deal worth £52 million and moving quickly to complete the formalities.
Lacroix has developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders since arriving in England, with his pace, physicality and ability to defend large spaces making him one of the division’s standout centre-backs.
His arrival provides Chelsea with another high-quality defensive option as they continue an ambitious summer rebuild under Xabi Alonso.
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For Arsenal, attention is expected to remain on alternative targets. The Gunners have been linked with players including Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Real Sociedad youngster Jon Martín in recent weeks as Andrea Berta and Arteta continue to evaluate the market.
Missing out on Lacroix is therefore unlikely to significantly alter Arsenal’s transfer plans, with the Frenchman viewed as one of several suitable options rather than the club’s leading choice.
Chelsea’s move nevertheless represents another significant piece of business between two Premier League rivals expected to compete near the top of the table next season.
With the medical now taking place and all major details agreed, an official announcement is expected shortly, bringing an end to Arsenal’s links with Lacroix and confirming that the French defender will continue his career across London at Stamford Bridge.
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Maxence Lacroix