Chelsea are preparing a player-plus-cash offer for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, with Trevoh Chalobah set to move in the opposite direction, according to reports. The proposed deal aims to bolster Chelsea’s defensive options ahead of the new season, while potentially reducing the financial outlay for Lacroix.
Chelsea have already been active in the transfer window, securing Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £43 million and agreeing pre-contracts with Emmanuel Emegha, Geovany Quenda, and Dastan Satpaev. The club has also sanctioned departures for Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, and Tyrique George, with Alejandro Garnacho also potentially leaving Stamford Bridge. Manager Xabi Alonso has identified central defence as a priority area for improvement.
Lacroix has emerged as Alonso’s primary target, and the player has reportedly already agreed to a move to west London. L’Equipe value the French defender at €55 million (£47 million), but Chelsea hope to lower that fee by including Chalobah in the deal, potentially by as much as £30 million. Chalobah previously spent time on loan at Crystal Palace, where he made a positive impression before being recalled by Chelsea in January.
However, a return to Palace is not Chalobah’s preferred outcome. Inter Milan are currently leading the race for the defender, having agreed personal terms with his representatives. Como have also submitted a bid of €25 million (£21 million) for Chalobah, but Chelsea are holding out for €35 million (£30 million). Palace manager Pierre Sage is also reportedly keen on Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell as an alternative to Chalobah.
Negotiations are ongoing, and the complexity of the deal means it is not yet finalised. Chelsea are also in discussions regarding a potential move for Alejandro Garnacho, seeking to further reshape their squad. The successful completion of the Lacroix deal would provide a significant boost to Alonso’s defensive options, while Chalobah’s departure would free up space in the Chelsea squad.
