It is official, Chelsea have announced their third signing of the Xabi Alonso era. Maxence Lacroix has put pen to paper and joined the Blues after Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra.
Lacroix has taken Chelsea’s spending this summer – aside from the pre-arranged transfers – to more than £200m. It comes after the £47m signing of Palestra and a record £117m deal for Rogers from Aston Villa.
RATE 1-10: Lacroix confirmed, how good is Chelsea’s £52m deal? 🔥
Xabi Alonso has also had to welcome Emmanuel Emegha, Geovany Quenda, Dastan Satpaev and other new faces, including returning loanees like Mike Penders. Lacroix may be followed by two more this week.
Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson are due to be announced as Chelsea players in the coming days. But it is Rogers that truly excites Lacroix, having now teamed up with Chelsea’s club-record signing.
READ MORE: The three Chelsea players Lacroix spoke to before signing on at Stamford Bridge
What Lacroix thinks of Rogers’ signing and Reece James
Chelsea have filled a massive void in their defence, with the back line incredibly flimsy last season. With Levi Colwill, Chelsea now boast one of the best centre-back duos in the country, and a superb attack.
With the addition of Rogers, Chelsea fans are dreaming of a front four that includes Cole Palmer, Estevao and Joao Pedro. Speaking to Chelsea’s website, Lacroix spoke of Rogers’ arrival and captain Reece James.
Chelsea FC Unveil New Signing Morgan Rogers
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“We want the best players in our team, of course. When I saw the players like Reece, like Morgan, I’m just really happy to be also in a way in their story, you know? To write part of the Chelsea story with them.
“I’m really proud, really happy, to be part of this beautiful project. I just want to start playing. I’m really excited to see the guys, the manager. We have a story to write here, and I can be part of it; it’s beautiful.”
Chelsea now have a whopping 11 centre-backs on the books
With Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino back at Chelsea, the club have now an entire XI of centre-backs. Colwill and Lacroix will be first choice, while Josh Acheampong and Tosin Adarabioyo are set to remain.
Chelsea have 10 centre-backs – who are YOU getting rid of? ❌
Colwill and Acheampong are 'untouchable'.
Wesley Fofana of Chelsea with team mate Trevoh Chalobah
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Josh Acheampong
Levi Colwill
Jorrel Hato
Wesley Fofana
Trevoh Chalobah
Mamadou Sarr
Benoit Badiashile
Aaron Anselmino
Tosin Adarabioyo
Axel Disasi
Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato could also stay, while there is a plan in place for Anselmino. Behind those seven, four more could depart. Trevoh Chalobah, Mamadou Sarr, Disasi and Benoit Badiashile could go.
Chalobah remains a target for Como, while Disasi looks destined for Italy. The same goes for Badiashile with Napoli having agreed a loan-to-buy deal. Now Lacroix is onboard, plenty need to be offloaded.
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