Chelsea seem to be making progress in their bid to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace following his participation at this year’s World Cup with France.
Lacroix is Chelsea’s top centre-back target, and with football’s biggest tournament now over, a deal is advancing.
If the Blues do manage to get this transfer over the line, what will the 26-year-old bring to Stamford Bridge?
Some of his numbers at the World Cup and in the Premier League last season give a good indication.
Where would this Chelsea team finish? 👀
Maxence Lacroix will win aerial duels and clear the ball for Chelsea
Lacroix was an aerially dominant defender for Palace in the previous campaign. As per WhoScored, he won 3.4 aerial duels per game in the English top flight, which was the highest average in his squad.
At the World Cup, he was also the best player aerially in his squad. His average of 2.3 aerial duels won per game was the highest among his France teammates.
Lacroix can also deal with danger on the ground. For France, he made 3.3 clearances per game — only Dayot Upamecano (3.4) and William Saliba (four) averaged more.
In the Premier League, the France international made 7.2 clearances per game. No other player managed to record a higher average.
Ultimately, Lacroix is a central defender who wins his headers and is not afraid to clear his lines. He has shown that while playing for both France and Palace.
It is no surprise that Chelsea are now working hard to sign Lacroix, who would be an upgrade on most of their current centre-back options.
As well as Lacroix, Chelsea could also sign John Stones to strengthen their backline. Stones is a free agent after leaving Manchester City at the end of his contract, and it is thought that the Blues are now considering making a move for the 32-year-old.
Regarding exits, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile could both depart before the transfer window closes.
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