After securing the signature of Marco Palestra from Atalanta and seeing off the challenge of Inter Milan for his signature, attention at Chelsea seems to have turned to their centre-backs.
Calum McFarlane identified this as a problem position ahead of the summer almost inadvertently. Asked about Mamadou Sarr and Benoit Badiashile’s absence, McFarlane said there were too many options.
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 have 10 centre-backs on the books at senior level, including returning loanees Aaron Anselmino and Axel Disasi, as well as versatile options Jorrel Hato and Josh Acheampong. Far too many players.
That’s before Chelsea consider signing one, too. It is a position Chelsea are going to have to sort out, but it does not seem as if Chelsea will sell before buying one. The latest reports say a £50m bid is incoming.
Chelsea plot £50m bid after securing Marco Palestra
Plenty of centre-backs have been linked with Chelsea. Jacobo Ramon is emerging as an option again, while reports say Ramon is one of four centre-backs eyed by Chelsea, with Brentford’s Nathan Collins.
But ask Chelsea fans for their dream, realistic centre-back signing, and most would say Crystal Palace’s French ace, Maxence Lacroix. The former Wolfsburg defender is currently with France’s World Cup squad.
According to transfer expert Alan Nixon on his Patreon channel, Chelsea are now plotting a move to sign Lacroix. The Blues are willing to go as high as £50m to land Lacroix, who is now Chelsea’s first-choice.
Nixon also claims that Palace are willing to sell Lacroix this summer if the price is right. While he is at the World Cup, Lacroix and Palace are ready to do business if required and now, Chelsea are set to pounce.
Maxence Lacroix solves Chelsea’s biggest 2025-26 problem
There were many problems with Chelsea last season. But one that is unforgivable is Chelsea’s defending from crosses, both from set-pieces and open-play crosses. Chelsea were joint 14th-worst in the league.
One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦♂️
Indeed, a total of 17 goals were conceded in this manner and that needs to change. Lacroix, on the other hand, was the Premier League’s third-best centre-back in the air, winning more than 61% of his duels.
That kind of presence, alongside the returning Levi Colwill, immediately makes the middle of Chelsea’s defence a fearful proposition for opposing strikers. Classy yet combative, Lacroix solves that problem.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
