Xabi Alonso will no doubt be looking for strong foundations in his Chelsea side next season, and their early transfer business is suggesting there will be a strong backline at Stamford Bridge next season.
After parting ways with Marc Cucurella, the Blues have acted quickly to try to strengthen their defence ahead of a campaign where they will not have European football to worry about.
Alonso pushed to secure the signing of Marco Palestra, who is expected at this stage to play on the right of a back five, with Reece James moving inside.
RATE 1️⃣-🔟: Is Marco Palestra a good signing?
Serie A's Best Defender of 2025-26.
Xabi Alonso is building a brilliant defence as Chelsea push for Maxence Lacroix
Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato are strong pieces that can make up a solid defence, however rumours that they are pushing towards the signing of Maxence Lacroix is really encouraging news.
The Frenchman, who was selected by his country for the 2026 World Cup, has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt from his time at Crystal Palace.
During his time working under Oliver Glasner, he operated in a back three, and maintained the standards at Selhurst Park even after Marc Guehi had left the club.
Lacroix showed a dominance in the air that Chelsea have been desperately lacking. In the Premier League, he won a total of 119 aerial duels.
For context, Trevoh Chalobah won 75 of these duels, while Wesley Fofana won just 69 of his in the league.
Height and Premier League experience are two factors Chelsea fans have been crying out for, and the Blues look to have identified that perfectly in the form of Lacroix.
There are a number of other centre-backs at the club still. Chalobah, Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile will be joined by the returning Axel Disasi after his loan at West Ham.
Chalobah is already being linked with a move to Italy, and potentially featuring for Como in the Champions League under Cesc Fabregas.
Chelsea have 10 centre-backs – who are YOU getting rid of? ❌
Colwill and Acheampong are 'untouchable'.
- Josh Acheampong
- Levi Colwill
- Jorrel Hato
- Wesley Fofana
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Mamadou Sarr
- Benoit Badiashile
- Aaron Anselmino
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Axel Disasi
Chelsea one position away from complete defence
If Chelsea are missing anything at the moment from a complete backline, it would be a starting calibre left wing-back.
Hato had a great second half of the 2025/26 season, however looks far better suited to the left side of the back three, competing with Colwill.
Chelsea have been linked with the signing of Lewis Hall from Newcastle United, potentially bringing him back to the side many thought he should never have been allowed to leave.
The Blues are not alone in this interest, however Alonso should feel confident that he is already building a very strong backline ahead of his first Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.
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