Chelsea to make move for Palace defender Maxence Lacroix

Chelsea are considering a transfer move for Crystal Palace's centre-back Maxence Lacroix this summer transfer window, with a deal on the table worth around £45 million. The defender has caught the eye since arriving in the Premier League in 2024 from VfL Wolfsburg, and is open to a move away.

Lacroix has helped Palace to both the FA Cup in 2024-25 and this year's UEFA Conference League and with that accolade has impressed many observers for his tough tackling style and defensive positioning.

He is currently with France's 2026 World Cup squad in USA, Mexico and Canada and is reportedly in discussions with his agent with regard to a potential transfer move to Chelsea.

The Blues are looking to bring in two new defenders this summer, with Marc Cucurella set to join Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso's side short in defence. It is understood that Alonso has personally OK'd the transfer deal and Lacroix is one of the Spaniard's top targets for a transfer move.