Chelsea are preparing a bid for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.
Chelsea are stepping up plans to strengthen their defence this summer, with Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix emerging as one of the club’s priority transfer targets ahead of the new season.
The Blues are currently working on a strategy before making an official approach.
The France international has been on Chelsea’s shortlist for some time, and the club’s recruitment team believe he has the qualities needed to strengthen the heart of the defence. New head coach Xabi Alonso is also understood to support a move for the Palace defender.
Crystal Palace, however, are expected to drive a hard bargain. The Eagles reportedly value Lacroix at around £60 million, a figure Chelsea are reluctant to meet as they continue to manage their spending carefully during the current transfer window.
🚨 Chelsea are interested in signing Lacroix and he is one of their main targets for new centre back. (@SJohnsonSport) pic.twitter.com/Lzqv4JYKse
— Pys (@CFCPys) June 23, 2026
Sources indicate Chelsea’s valuation currently sits closer to £50 million, leaving a sizeable gap between the two clubs. While discussions over a potential deal have been explored internally, formal negotiations between Chelsea and Palace have not yet begun.
One option being considered is the inclusion of fringe Chelsea players as part of a deal to reduce the overall transfer fee.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Lacroix comes alongside their continued efforts to strengthen other areas of the squad. The Blues are still attempting to sign Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka after seeing an initial £8 million bid rejected by the Premier League club.
The West London side have already been active in the market after completing the signing of right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for a fee close to £50 million.
Chelsea have signed Italian full back Marco Palestra from Atalanta in a deal worth up to $62m🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/yQ6rXhCktj
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 1, 2026
Despite their ambitious plans, Chelsea remain determined to avoid overpaying for their targets. Crystal Palace are unlikely to lower their demands significantly for Lacroix, while Sunderland continue to stand firm over Xhaka, setting up what could be two difficult negotiations in the weeks ahead.
