Chelsea step up interest in Palace's Lacroix

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Chelsea have intensified their pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix following a new round of talks between the clubs. The report says discussions over a potential transfer are being led at ownership level and have been viewed positively, although no agreement has been announced.

According to the BBC, Palace value any deal for the 26-year-old at at least £60 million. The London club have wanted to extend Lacroix’s contract, which still has three years remaining, but the player is said to be interested in taking on a new challenge. Palace are also understood to be assessing possible replacements, with Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima among those being watched.

Lacroix joined Palace from Wolfsburg in August 2024 in a deal that could rise to £18 million and has since made 98 appearances for the club. The BBC notes he was part of the Palace team that won the Conference League in May and has played for France at the World Cup. His Premier League experience is described as one reason Chelsea have made him a major summer target.

The potential move forms part of a wider Chelsea recruitment push, with the club also reported by the BBC to be close to completing a £117 million deal for Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers. If Lacroix arrives, it could increase uncertainty over defender Trevoh Chalobah, who the report says has attracted interest from Como.