Chelsea Transfer Window Updates: Your Tuesday Evening Briefing

Whilst everyone is busy watching this summer’s World Cup, it is easy to get distracted away from club matters, so here is your latest transfer briefing regarding Chelsea.

To begin, Chelsea’s interest in Crystal Palace and France national team central defender Maxence Lacroix has been reiterated by Simon Johnson, with the player described as “one of their main targets for centre back.”

Ben Jacobs has also today said that the club are interested in Lacroix, whilst also mentioning that Como defender Jacobo Ramon “remains appreciated” by the club. The Spaniard was named in the Serie A Team of the Year, and he could also be one to keep an eye out on based on Jacobs’ report.

Meanwhile, highly reputable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Serie A side Inter Milan are facing major competition from Chelsea and another Premier League club to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta. The 21-year old spent the 25/26 side on loan at Cagliari, and like Ramon, was named in the Team of the Year.

Well, interesting links. Spoken about Lacroix before, so let’s keep that one brief. He would be a great signing. Clearly exceptional in a back three that Xabi Alonso may play, but also has the physical and technical attributes to play in a four as well.

As touched on, Ramon was named in the Serie A Team of the Year, and was a big part of the Como side that finished in the top four in just their second season after promotion from Serie B. Very good on the ball like a lot of Spanish defenders.

The link to Palestra is the most interesting, whether it happens or not. The Italian played as a right wing-back last season, is this the biggest hint yet that Alonso will be playing a three at the back formation? 

Not conclusive, but certainly possible, especially when Lacroix has so much experience in a back three (even if he can comfortably play in a four). It will be interesting to see what other types of defenders are linked - players that play in a three, or a four? 

As for Ramon, well Como generally play with a back four under former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, so that perhaps slightly changes things. That is not to say that he can't play in a back four. 

Well, there you have it, that is your brief briefing from Tuesday. Stay tuned for more updates.