Chelsea Closing in on Signing Premier League Star This Summer

In the last week or so, amidst the chaos of the World Cup, Chelsea have been linked with a number of defenders.

We got the "Here We Go" for Atalanta right wing-back Marco Palestra, whilst Como central defender, Jacobo Ramon has also been mentioned a number of times by various sources. 

One other name who has frequently popped up is Crystal Palace and France national team centre half, Maxence Lacroix. From what we have heard, he is very high up on the club's list of centre backs.

Well, it appears as if there has been a significant development. Indeed so, as French outlet L'Equipe are this morning (the 26th of June) reporting that Lacroix is expected to sign for Chelsea for around £47 million after the World Cup. 

Wow, that was quick. Considering these deals are always complicated when the said player is over on the other side of the pond at the World Cup, it looks as if Chelsea have wasted no time in getting this done. 

In terms of it all being official and sorted for good after the tournament, that is pretty normal. Nevertheless, other clubs could have easily come and swooped in. So this is very good from the club. 

Not only that, but the appeal to get such a good player to come to SW6 is huge. Whilst it is clear that Chelsea are much better than Crystal Palace, Lacroix would still be giving up UEFA Europa League football for no European football at all. That is a big, regardless of club size. 

Plus, there are plenty of other clubs competing in the UEFA Champions League that would have loved to sign the Frenchman. So for the Blues to get this done quickly feels very important indeed. 

As for the fit, it will be interesting to see. Let's look at both scenarios. To begin, a four at the back - Lacroix and Colwill would be a very, very balanced duo. The France international would provide the physicality, the recovery pace, etc. Whilst with Colwill you have the composure and ball playing capabilities. 

Then, should Xabi Alonso play a back three, it would be interesting to see where Lacroix plays. In theory, he would be suited to the wide centre back role on the right, where he can use his blistering pace. However, he has almost exclusively played in the middle of a back three at Palace, and with a lot of success. 

A very exciting signing, should it all go through.