John Stones and Maxence Lacroix are both on Chelsea’s radar as they look to strengthen their backline this summer.
Lacroix is Chelsea’s top target for the centre-back position, but it emerged on Tuesday that the Blues are now also interested in signing Stones.
The England international would not cost the club a penny after leaving Manchester City on a free transfer last month.
Chelsea fans want John Stones and Maxence Lacroix
The Chelsea Chronicle recently asked supporters who they would prefer out of Stones and Lacroix.
Some Chelsea fans shared their concerns about Stones’ injury record; however, others made it clear that they would love to see both centre-halves at Stamford Bridge next season.
On TalkingPoints, one Chelsea supporter said: “Both John Stones and Maxence Lacroix.”
Another posted: “I will prefer it if Chelsea get both of them on board.”
One Chelsea fan said: “Sign both, we always get injury players in defence, should get a new goalie too.”
Chelsea have already made one defensive signing this summer, bringing in Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
They have also improved their attack after purchasing Morgan Rogers for a club-record fee of £117m.
Central defence now appears to be their priority, with Stones and Lacroix seemingly at the top of their list.
Chelsea should sign John Stones and Maxence Lacroix
There is no harm in Chelsea signing both Stones and Lacroix. Again, Stones will not cost them anything, while Lacroix’s price tag is believed to be £60m.
Chelsea would be signing two very experienced and skilled centre-backs for just £60m. That is nothing in a market where other Premier League players are going for £100m.
Also, Xabi Alonso may very well need both of them and not just one or the other. He could use a back three next season, and some of his current options are not the most convincing defenders.
Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo disappointed last term, while Benoit Badiashile could not stay fit.
Ultimately, Stones and Lacroix would both be upgrades on most of Chelsea’s current centre-half options. And with exits in that area of the pitch likely anyway, there could be a need to sign two new central defenders this summer.
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