Maxence Lacroix at Chelsea

Chelsea's defensive operation has gained another name. According to The Athletic, Maxence Lacroix is set to undergo his medical today ahead of his move from Crystal Palace to Chelsea. A deal worth around £52 million is being finalised, with the 26-year-old centre-back expected to sign a contract running until June 2032.

This marks the final chapter of a file that has run for months. Fabrizio Romano reported last month that Lacroix wanted to join Chelsea, while The Times reported that Crystal Palace were demanding £55 million for the player and that Lacroix wanted to leave Selhurst Park.

The fee negotiation has also become clear. According to journalist Alan Nixon, Chelsea had raised their offer to £52 million; Palace were reported to be willing to sell despite wanting a higher fee. According to Sky Sports and the BBC, talks had been conducted at ownership level, with the BBC's Sami Mokbel reporting Palace wanted at least £60 million for the France international.

The player's Premier League history also underlines the value of this transfer. Signed from Wolfsburg for around £18 million in August 2024 and having made 98 appearances for the club, Lacroix became one of the key figures in the team's defensive stability last season, also drawing attention with his goal against Manchester City.

This transfer's place within Chelsea's summer strategy is also significant. This new investment in defence, following the club's signings of Marco Palestra (from Atalanta for around £43 million) and Morgan Rogers (from Aston Villa for a British transfer record of £117 million) this summer, is reported to be part of the process of strengthening Xabi Alonso's squad; the club is also reported to be considering selling Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto to help finance these transfers.

Source: The Athletic
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