- Chelsea want to sign Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix
- French star is also wanted by Arsenal and Real Madrid
- Why Stamford Bridge shouldn’t be in his plans
Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. The French centre-back is in demand following yet another excellent season at Selhurst Park.
According to Mail Sport, the Blues have added Lacroix to their summer shortlist. He is one of many targets the West London club is eyeing ahead of Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge.
Lacroix is one of Palace’s most important players and starred in last season’s UEFA Conference League win. Such were the excellent performances that he earned a call-up to France’s World Cup squad.
Chelsea want Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea aren’t the only ones showing interest, as Arsenal and Real Madrid are also admirers. He has three years left on his contract which puts Palace in a “strong negotiating position.”
That said, Lacroix is thought to be reluctant to commit to a new deal and wants to assess any offers made to him this summer. He’s been at Selhurst Park since 2024, when he arrived from Wolfsburg to reunite with Oliver Glasner in a £17.6m deal.
Lacroix will be playing under Pierre Sage next season if he stays put. He might relish the opportunity to work with a French tactician who guided Lens to a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 last season.
Stamford Bridge not the right destination
If Lacroix, dubbed “Mr Reliable”, wants to continue playing European football, a move to Chelsea should be ruled out. The Blues failed to qualify for any European competition after finishing 10th.
While Alonso’s appointment could be enticing for any player whom the club look to sign, there is so much work to do at Stamford Bridge. Their squad needs a major reset, and they have already lost Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.
Lacroix should ideally be only keen on a move if a Champions League club comes calling. If not, the chance to try and win the Europa League under Sage is more appealing than heading to Chelsea to try and help revive a fallen giant.
