Chelsea’s pursuit of a new centre-back has received a boost as Maxence Lacroix is reportedly unwilling to extend his contract with Crystal Palace, according to the Daily Mail. The Blues are aiming to support manager Xabi Alonso with significant investment this summer, with a central defender and versatile attacker identified as key priorities, as reported by The Athletic.
Chelsea had been heavily linked with a move for Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton and Hove Albion, valued at approximately €81 million (£70m) according to The Telegraph. However, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as strong competitors for the Dutch defender, with The Athletic reporting that Van Hecke is keen to reunite with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi at Spurs. Two undisclosed bids from Tottenham have already been rejected by Brighton.
French publication RMC Sport previously indicated Lacroix’s valuation to be at least €40 million (£35m). Now, the Daily Mail reports Chelsea have formally added the 26-year-old to their shortlist after he expressed a desire to consider his options following the 2026 World Cup. Lacroix joined Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 and has since made 98 appearances for the club, contributing four goals and helping Palace secure the 2025 FA Cup and the 2026 UEFA Conference League titles.
His performances for Palace earned him a place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the ongoing World Cup, where France are set to begin their campaign against Senegal. Meanwhile, Van Hecke featured in Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan on Sunday, and is expected to play again against Sweden on Saturday. The 26-year-old, who has just one year remaining on his Brighton contract, has publicly stated his desire for clarity regarding his future, according to Sky Sports. “I will then see where I play,” Van Hecke said. “I have also said very clearly that I would like to have clarity for myself before the World Cup.”
The potential acquisition of either Lacroix or Van Hecke would address a clear need for defensive reinforcement at Chelsea, as Alonso looks to shape the squad to his vision. The outcome of Van Hecke’s situation at Brighton and his potential move to Tottenham will likely dictate how aggressively Chelsea pursue Lacroix in the coming weeks.
