Chelsea have been advised to reconsider their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, with Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan emerging as a more sensible alternative. The Blues, under new manager Xabi Alonso, are seeking to bolster their defensive options following a disappointing season that resulted in missing out on European qualification, and the recent sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid has further heightened the need for reinforcements.
Palace have reportedly placed a £55 million (€65m) price tag on Lacroix, a figure that Chelsea may find excessive considering his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of £39.5m (€46.4m). This valuation has prompted a search for alternative targets who meet the club’s criteria of high quality, Premier League experience, and a ball-playing style.
Fikayo Tomori, a product of Chelsea’s academy now playing for AC Milan, has been identified as a potentially more suitable option. The 28-year-old has established himself as a key player in Serie A, making 27 first-team appearances for Chelsea previously, including 17 in the Premier League. He has demonstrated consistent reliability throughout his career, with a recent hamstring injury being his first significant absence.
Data from SciSports supports the argument for Tomori, with a SciSkill rating of 109.5, exceeding Lacroix’s current rating of 99.6 and his potential rating of 109.3. Furthermore, Tomori’s contract at Milan expires next summer, making him potentially available for a significantly lower fee than Palace’s asking price for Lacroix. His ETV currently sits at €14.8m.
While some may view Tomori’s age as a drawback, Chelsea’s recent reliance on youth and perceived lack of leadership suggest that experience could be a valuable asset. The club are seeking a player who can immediately improve the squad, and Tomori’s proven track record and lower cost make him a compelling alternative to the more expensive Lacroix.
