Chelsea have made fresh contact over a move for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, stepping up their interest just a day before the France international could play in a World Cup semi-final against Spain.
According to a fresh update from Sky Sports, Chelsea have renewed contact over a deal for the Selhurst Park defender, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Lacroix has emerged as a top defensive target as the Blues look to add a new centre-back before the summer window closes. Palace, though, are said to be in no rush to sell without a replacement lined up.
Xabi Alonso Leads Chelsea’s Chase For Lacroix Amid World Cup Duty
Xabi Alonso is keen to strengthen his back line this summer, and Romano says contacts between the two clubs continue even as Lacroix focuses on France’s tournament run. L’Equipe has reported a deal in the region of €55m (£47m) is close to being wrapped up, though Palace are believed to value their centre-back closer to £60m, leaving some distance still to close.
Chelsea have also discussed the possibility of including a player in any deal, with names such as Trevoh Chalobah previously floated as makeweights, giving Palace options beyond a straight cash fee as they weigh up Lacroix’s exit.
Lacroix has been an almost ever-present since arriving from Wolfsburg, helping Palace lift the FA Cup and the UEFA Conference League, and Palace have already made clear they expect a significant fee for one of their most consistent performers.
With Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta preparing to face Spain in Tuesday’s semi-final, any breakthrough in Chelsea’s pursuit looks more likely to come once France’s World Cup involvement is settled one way or the other.
