Chelsea accelerate interest in Maxence Lacroix after talks with Crystal Palace
Quick Look
- Chelsea are intensifying efforts to sign defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, with recent talks described as positive.
- Palace seeks at least £60m for the 26-year-old, who desires a new challenge despite having three years left on his contract.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Chelsea is actively pursuing new players with Premier League experience, including Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace and Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Chelsea have accelerated their interest in defender Maxence Lacroix after a fresh round of talks with Crystal Palace.
The proposed deal is being handled by the ownership of both clubs, with the latest discussions described as positive.
Palace have been keen to offer Lacroix - who has three years to run on his existing deal - a new contract, but the player is keen for a new challenge.
It is understood The Eagles want a deal worth a minimum £60m for the 26-year-old and have started looking at potential replacements, with Ausburg's Chrislain Matsima among the players monitored.
Lacroix has made 98 appearances for Palace since joining from Wolfsburg in a deal worth up to £18m in August 2024.
The centre-back, who played for France at the World Cup, has emerged as one of Chelsea's key targets this summer as the club look to sign players with Premier League experience.
The west London club are also close to completing a £117m deal for Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Chelsea will likely complete the transfer of Maxence Lacroix.
Likely · Within weeks
Chelsea will likely complete the £117m deal for Morgan Rogers.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What is the final transfer fee for Lacroix?
- Who will Crystal Palace sign as a replacement?
- When will the deals be finalized?
