Chelsea are prepared to include several players in a potential deal to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix this summer, according to talkSPORT. The Blues are actively seeking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Reports from BBC Sport in June indicated Chelsea’s growing interest in Lacroix, who is currently representing France at the World Cup. The 26-year-old has become a key figure for Palace since joining from Wolfsburg in August 2024, playing a vital role in their recent successes, including FA Cup, Community Shield, and UEFA Conference League titles.
L’Equipe reports that Palace currently values Lacroix at approximately €55million (£47.4m). However, Chelsea are hoping to lower this asking price by offering a player-plus-cash deal. TalkSPORT claims that central defenders Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Axel Disasi could all be offered to Palace as part of the negotiation.
The potential move comes as Chelsea look to trim their squad of centre-backs. The club currently has a wealth of options in this position, including Levi Colwill, Aaron Anselmino, Wesley Fofana, Mamadou Sarr, and Josh Acheampong. The Daily Mail reports that Acheampong will not be allowed to depart, with the club viewing the 20-year-old as a future first-team player, capable of playing both centre-back and right-back.
Chelsea have already rejected a €25.6m (£22m) bid from Serie A side Como for Chalobah, who is also competing in the World Cup with England, as reported by the Daily Mail. The club recently completed the signing of wing-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for around €55m (£47m), a deal announced on Wednesday. Palestra was named Serie A’s Best Defender for the 2025-26 season while on loan at Cagliari.
Xabi Alonso officially began his tenure as Chelsea manager in May, signing a four-year contract after replacing interim boss Calum McFarlane. McFarlane had twice served as caretaker manager during the previous season following the dismissals of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, ultimately guiding the team to a 10th-place finish in the Premier League. Alonso’s first match in charge will be a pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers on July 28, with the Premier League campaign beginning against Fulham on August 24.
