Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, with the Blues accelerating talks as new manager Xabi Alonso looks to reshape his defensive unit ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 26-year-old France international has emerged as a top target at Stamford Bridge, and sources close to the club suggest a formal bid could follow very soon.
Palace Slap Hefty Price Tag on Lacroix
Crystal Palace are not looking to do any favours in this negotiation. The south London club have set their asking price at a minimum of £60 million for the French defender, a figure that reflects both his quality and the difficulty of replacing him. Some reports have put the figure slightly lower at around £55 million, but Palace are standing firm. The deal is reportedly being handled at board level, which suggests Selhurst Park are treating this as a major transaction rather than a routine sale.
Lacroix Wants to Move On
What works in Chelsea's favour is the player himself. According to reports, Lacroix is keen to leave Crystal Palace this summer and take on a new challenge at a club competing for major honours. Having represented France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — where Les Bleus reached the semi-finals before being eliminated — the defender has raised his profile considerably on the international stage. That World Cup exposure, combined with his consistent Premier League performances at Palace, has made him one of the most sought-after defenders in England.
Xabi Alonso's Defensive Vision
Since taking charge at Chelsea, Xabi Alonso has been clear about what he wants from his backline — composure on the ball, ability to play out from the back, and leadership under pressure. Lacroix, who combines physical presence with strong distribution, fits that profile well. The Spaniard built his coaching reputation on detail and discipline at Bayer Leverkusen, and he is expected to be equally demanding at Chelsea. Bringing in a top-level centre-back like Lacroix would signal serious intent.
Competition for His Signature
Chelsea are not alone in admiring Lacroix. Several European clubs have also registered their interest, which adds urgency to the Blues' approach. If Alonso and the Chelsea hierarchy want to win this race, they will likely need to move quickly and meet Palace's valuation. Prolonged negotiations could open the door for rivals to swoop in.
With the summer transfer window in full swing, Chelsea's pursuit of Maxence Lacroix is one of the most compelling storylines in English football right now. A deal in the region of £55-60 million would represent a major statement of intent from the new Stamford Bridge era under Xabi Alonso.
Source: Sky Sports / Goal.com
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