Chelsea’s summer shopping list just got a lot more specific at the back. The Blues have identified Crystal Palace center-back Maxence Lacroix as a top target, and sources tell the Standard the interest is genuine.
No formal negotiations have started yet. But Lacroix is very much on the board as Chelsea looks to reshape its defense heading into next season.
Why Lacroix Fits the Profile
The France international was a rock for Palace during their FA Cup win in 2024-25 — the club’s first major trophy. After Marc Guehi left for Manchester City in January, Lacroix stepped up even more. He helped lead the Eagles to a Conference League title in their debut European campaign. That kind of big-game experience is exactly what Chelsea’s recruitment team is looking for.
Defense has been flagged internally as a priority area. The club already moved Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid. Trevoh Chalobah was Chelsea’s most consistent center-back last season, but the front office is willing to listen to offers for him at the right price. Add it up and there’s a clear opening for a new starter.
Palace isn’t in any rush to sell, though. They’re not under financial pressure, and Lacroix is central to their plans. Chelsea would have to make an offer that’s hard to refuse.
Other Names on the List
This isn’t the only name in Chelsea’s notebook. The club showed interest in Jacobo Ramon back in January, and he’s had a strong season at Como in Serie A. Como, by the way, is keeping an eye on Chalobah’s situation. So there’s potentially some mutual scouting going on there.
On the other side of things, Chelsea has gone quiet on Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who wants out of Spurs. And reports from Italy linking the Blues to Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra? No talks have happened there either, according to Standard Sport.
Xabi Alonso is expected to bring in at least two players who can walk straight into the starting lineup. Another center-back of Lacroix’s caliber would instantly raise the floor of that defense. The question is whether Chelsea can pry him away from a Palace team that’s suddenly got a taste for silverware.
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