Chelsea have made serious inroads into the summer market over the last week with Marco Palestra’s arrival set to be announced soon – and now, a fee has been agreed for a second signing.
Palestra joins the club for a fee believed to be worth an initial £43m, after Chelsea hijacked Inter Milan’s deal for the Italy international. It comes after Palestra won Serie A’s Defender of the Year award in 25-26.
What do you make of Chelsea’s interest in Maxence Lacroix?
Over the weekend, plenty of reports have emerged. Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Granit Xhaka after an initial £8m bid was rejected, while Maxence Lacroix and Pep Chavarria have been strongly linked.
Now, more news that will delight Chelsea supporters. After initial reports suggested Chelsea were looking at a £50m move for France World Cup star Lacroix, a fee has now been agreed for the Palace defender.
Chelsea agree £46m fee for Maxence Lacroix
According to a report from Sport Mediaset journalist Orazio Accomando, Chelsea and Crystal Palace have settled on a £46m fee for Lacroix. It is unclear if that amount includes add-ons or if add-ons are on top.
Accomando also confirms in his report on X that a deal will be confirmed by both clubs in the next few days, possibly by the end of the week. Lacroix is currently with Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad.
It sees Chelsea bring in a centre-back to potentially partner Levi Colwill in the middle of defence. He said on X: “Chelsea, Lacroix’s arrival sealed for €53m (£46m). Deal that will become official in the coming days.”
Chelsea will have 11 centre-backs with Maxence Lacroix
Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino will return to Stamford Bridge, taking Chelsea’s list of centre-backs to 10. Calum McFarlane highlighted the problem when asked about Mamadou Sarr and Benoit Badiashile.
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
Alongside Sarr, Disasi, Badiashile, Anselmino and Colwill, Chelsea also boast Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, Josh Acheampong and Tosin Adarabioyo. A total of 10 options for Alonso to sort.
Acheampong and Colwill are considered untouchable, while there is a plan in place for Anselmino. It has been claimed that Alonso plans to promote Hato, but it is likely as a left-back to replace Marc Cucurella.
But for Chalobah, Fofana, Sarr, Badiashile, Tosin, and Disasi it could be an uncertain summer. With Lacroix arriving, those six centre-backs may be told to find a new club in the coming weeks.
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