Crystal Palace have given off the clearest clue yet that Chelsea may just get their wish with Maxence Laxroix.
Chelsea’s defensive overhaul under Xabi Alonso is taking a step forward, with the Blues linked to a £46 million move for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix. Reports in France indicate that Chelsea expects to rapidly push through and finalise the transfer after the World Cup.
Lacroix played the full 90 minutes in a commanding 4-1 win over Norway, securing top spot in Group I, after a season that saw Palace secure the UEFA Conference League title.
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Crystal Palace searching for a centre-back
According to Ben Jacobs, Crystal Palace are interested in Tolouse defender Charlie Cresswell, though no club-to-club talks have taken place yet.
Meanwhile, Chelsea remain in talks for Maxence Lacroix, with no formal bid made yet.
The French media are already calling Lacroix a ‘future Chelsea player’ and the defender is interested in making the move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Maxence Lacroix’s record against Chelsea
Maxence Lacroix’s on-pitch record against Chelsea consists of two Premier League encounters during the 2025–26 season following his move to Crystal Palace.
His first meeting took place at Stamford Bridge in August 2025, where Lacroix anchored a Palace backline to secure a 0-0 draw. However, the return fixture at Selhurst Park in January saw goals from Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro, and Enzo Fernandez.
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