Crystal Palace’s rejection of Chelsea pair tells Xabi Alonso everything he needs to know

Add as preferred source on Google

Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is a key target for Chelsea in this transfer window.

Palace are preparing for Lacroix’s exit, with a move to Stamford Bridge looking increasingly inevitable.

Chelsea are reportedly trying to bring the price down, though, by offering players to their London rivals. However, it appears that Palace are not going to bite.

What do you make of Chelsea’s interest in Maxence Lacroix?

Here’s what we think…

I watched Maxence Lacroix at the 2026 World Cup – here’s why Chelsea must spend big now

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Crystal Palace have no interest in signing Tosin Adarabioyo or Benoit Badiashile

According to TEAMtalk, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile are just two players Chelsea have tried to include in a deal for Lacroix.

However, Palace are not interested in signing either and are prioritising bringing in Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell instead.

Adarabioyo or Badiashile heading to Palace would have been ideal, as Chelsea need to offload some central defenders, especially if Lacroix arrives.

Right now, they have 10, which is a ridiculous number. And the reality is, most of those options are not going to help the club make it back into the Champions League.

Some of the defending on show last season is why Chelsea failed to qualify for the competition in the first place.

Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile not good enough for Chelsea if they’re not wanted by Crystal Palace

Adarabioyo and Badiashile would have to fall into that bracket of centre-halves who are not capable of helping Chelsea to accomplish all of their goals.

The former is quite a good leader and the sort of figure you want in the dressing room, but his one-v-one defending was poor last season. As for the latter, he picks up a lot of injuries and is capable of making a costly mistake.

• READ MORE: Three players Chelsea can sign for £130m instead of Morgan Rogers

It is no wonder that Palace are not particularly keen on Adarabioyo and Badiashile.

Ultimately, if Palace do not think they can add much to their squad, that should tell Xabi Alonso they are not capable of being starters for him next term.

As Alonso looks to trim down Chelsea’s list of 10 centre-backs, Adarabioyo and Badiashile will be two candidates to go.