Crystal Palace will reportedly only let Maxence Lacroix join Chelsea if they find a replacement and receive the right fee.
Fabrizio Romano said on YouTube that Chelsea are still pushing behind the scenes for the French defender, but need to be patient.
Palace’s stance keeps control of the deal in south London. Lacroix is a key defender, and the Eagles do not want to weaken Pierre Sage’s squad without a proper succession plan.
Read Crystal Palace has already covered how Charlie Cresswell has emerged as a potential Lacroix replacement, with Palace making contact over the Toulouse centre-back.
Palace Cannot Rush Lacroix Decision
Chelsea’s interest is not new. Lacroix has been linked with a move across London for weeks, and previous reports have claimed the Blues could explore player-plus-cash options.
Palace’s position is simple. They need the fee to make sense, and they need another centre-back lined up before they sanction a sale.
That approach is sensible. Lacroix gives Palace pace, recovery defending and experience in a back line already facing summer change.
Selling him without a replacement would leave Sage short before the new season. Chelsea may keep pushing, but Palace still have two clear conditions before any deal can move properly.
