As Oliver Glasner prepares to depart Crystal Palace this summer, it seems as if Maxence Lacroix would be open to swapping Selhurst Park for Chelsea.
Having joined Crystal Palace in an £18 million deal from Wolfsburg back in 2024, specifically to reunite with Oliver Glasner, Maxence Lacroix is now seeking a change.
Lacroix has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, consistently ranking among the top defenders for interceptions and successful aerial duels.
With Chelsea’s sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, known to be scouting for defensive reinforcements to stabilise Liam Rosenior’s backline, Lacroix could be the man.
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Frank Lampard, Current Manager of Coventry City
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Maxence Lacroix open to joining Chelsea in the summer
According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix would be interested in a step up to Chelsea during the summer transfer window.
With ambitions of representing France, it’s something that would help him.
Chelsea want to sign a centre back who can partner Levi Colwill and the 26-year-old ticks most of the boxes they are looking for. Premier League experience? Tick – 63 appearances for Palace after 111 for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. Central centre back? Tick – he plays in the middle of a back three for Glasner’s Palace, though has previously played in a four.
You can sign ONE player from Spurs if they’re relegated, who are you choosing?
Chelsea’s centre-back targets
Beyond the interest in Maxence Lacroix, Nottingham Forest’s Murillo has emerged as a primary target, with the Brazilian international reportedly open to a change of scene.
The club also retains a long-standing interest in Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, having reportedly dispatched officials to watch him during the recent Champions League clash against Arsenal.
Benfica’s Tomas Araujo remains another high-priority option, though his release clause presents a significant hurdle.
Additionally, Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke is being monitored as a more Premier League-ready alternative, offering exactly what Chelsea are looking for.
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