Maxence Lacroix remains one of Chelsea’s transfer priorities this summer but updates on a move for the Crystal Palace star have died down in recent days. Now, Fabrizio Romano has an update.
In the last few days, all the talk has been about Chelsea’s interest in Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka. At one stage, it looked as if Chelsea would sign Xhaka and now, a deal for the Swiss star is off the table.
What do you make of Chelsea’s interest in Maxence Lacroix?
Chelsea continue to scour the market for new additions, with Xabi Alonso likely to want a replacement for Marc Cucurella, a centre-back, possibly a goalkeeper, a left-sided winger and competition up front.
The leading candidate to fill the void alongside Levi Colwill next season is France World Cup star Lacroix. The Blues have been strongly linked with a move that could go north of £50m, and now, a new update.
Fabrizio Romano removes Chelsea fears over Maxence Lacroix
Lacroix remains at the World Cup, having made one appearance for Didier Deschamps’ side during their campaign which sees them sit in the quarter-finals. A move is unlikely until after the World Cup.
France are the leading contenders to win the trophy and Chelsea fans may be made to wait. The Blues may also look to offload a couple of centre-backs first, but fear not Chelsea fans, Romano has spoken.
He said on YouTube that Chelsea remain in talks: “In recent days, in the media this name has gone a little bit quiet. But behind the scenes, I am told that Chelsea are maintaining active contacts for Lacroix.
“Two things are important. The fee, because Chelsea are asking for big money from Crystal Palace but Chelsea remain in conversations, and then the replacement. Palace will sell a really important player.
“You remember with Marc Guehi that Palace wanted to find the right replacement. Chelsea are still working on this deal,” Romano concluded, which will come as a relief to concerned Chelsea supporters.
Why Chelsea are pursuing a deal to sign Maxence Lacroix…
Alonso will finally arrive at Chelsea ahead of the start of pre-season on Thursday, and he has many problems to fix. In terms of his centre-backs, reducing the number of options is very important.
Who is the best £100m midfielder in the Premier League?
Chelsea have 10 including returning loanees Aaron Anselmino and Axel Disasi. Other than Jorrel Hato, Colwill and Josh Acheampong, no Chelsea centre-back can truly say they know they will be staying.
Trevoh Chalobah looks set for a move to Inter Milan, in a potential £30m deal with a bid incoming. Last season, Chelsea were woeful when it came to defending from crosses and set-pieces in the League.
Well, Lacroix was third-best in the Premier League last season for aerial duels won. That makes him a near-perfect candidate for the centre-back vacancy at Chelsea this summer – a brilliant addition.
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