Maxence Lacroix nearing Chelsea move

Maxence Lacroix’s move to Chelsea this summer is getting closer and closer to being completed, according to L’Equipe.

It has been mooted in recent weeks that Chelsea are getting closer and closer to signing Lacroix, who was previously described as their No.1 target.

Lacroix has shifted brilliantly into the role of the defensive leader in the middle of a back three at Crystal Palace and with Xabi Alonso taking the helm at Stamford Bridge and expected to play his formation, which is very similar to that of Palace under Oliver Glasner, it is thought they are after the Frenchman to fulfil the same role at Stamford Bridge.

He joined Crystal Palace two seasons ago from Wolfsburg for a fee of around £15 million and has since seen that valuation skyrocket due to his consistent performances in the Premier League and in the Conference League.

Palace were thought initially to want to try and keep hold of their star players, having lost Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi in three of the last four transfer windows.

And with Europa League football secured, there was a feeling that this could be the summer that the Eagles try and keep hold of their top stars.

But Palace have always been a club who look to bring players in and give them the opportunity to prove themselves, before allowing them to leave Selhurst Park for a significant mark-up.

It would appear that is what is happening with Lacroix, while the same may also happen with Adam Wharton, should big offers come in for the 22-year-old.

Lacroix is said to be ready for a new challenge, with the defender being called up to the France squad due to his consistent performances for Palace.

But, having done so, he now has a taste for it and wants the opportunity to be called up for Les Bleus more often than he has been up to this point.

The L’Equipe report reads: “Everything is accelerating for Maxence Lacroix, who is reaping the rewards of steady progress over several years. As mentioned in today’s L’Equipe, the Crystal Palace centre-back is expected to sign with Chelsea for around €55 million after the 2026 World Cup, as also reported by the English press.”

That marks significant profit for the Eagles on Lacroix, and while it may not be ideal for them to still be selling on their players, it will allow them to invest over the summer in areas they need to.