Just like every summer transfer window, Crystal Palace are wary of losing some of their top stars as they scramble for replacements. Following the departure of Marc Guehi during the previous winter transfer window, the Eagles are now close to seeing yet another top-quality player leave this summer.
As we all know by now, Maxence Lacroix has been the centre of attraction since the previous campaign. Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the Frenchman.
Lacroix’s brilliant displays have increased the number of interested parties, as Arsenal and Liverpool are also reported to have enquired about the 26-year-old.
But the Blues always looked to be in pole position regarding the transfer of Lacroix this summer, and Fabrizio Romano’s latest update has just confirmed that.
Fabrizio Romano provides latest update on Maxence Lacroix
As reported by Romano, the Lacroix and Chelsea deal is in the final phases. There is a full agreement on personal terms. The two clubs’ owners are in contact to get it done at any moment. The deal is very close.
Previous reports suggested that Palace had set a transfer fee of around £60 million for the transfer of their key player. The Blues will now probably look to lower that figure as much as possible and add Lacroix to their list of summer signings along with the recent addition of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Will Crystal Palace be able to stay firm on their demands?
With the Blues paying a fee of around £117 million for Rogers, Palace’s demand for the transfer of Lacroix might just turn out to be a bargain for his suitors going forward.
Now, as it stands, it feels inevitable that Palace will lose their highly rated centre-back to their city rivals this summer. But a replacement needs to be found as well.
With all the buzz around the Lacroix transfer saga, the Eagles are certainly not sitting idle, as they are now in pole position to sign Chrislain Matisma during this transfer window.
Crystal Palace get Axel Disasi answer
Also, according to the Italian journalist, a potential transfer move for Axel Disasi was also discussed in the talks. But it is not happening.
Unlike the previous campaigns at Selhurst Park, new manager Pierre Sage will need to prove his worth as the fans demand continuity of their winning mentality going into the season.
Now, with the imminent departure of Lacroix, the club management should act really fast in order to strengthen Sage’s squad if the Frenchman is to be given at least a level playing field in the Premier League this season.
