Xabi Alonso has four main transfer targets at this stage of the summer window, and while Marco Palestra is done, Chelsea remain locked in talks to secure the other three.
Granit Xhaka, Maxence Lacroix and Pep Chavarria all want to join Chelsea this summer. But so far, the Blues have failed to meet the asking prices for all three, with BlueCo tabling Xhaka and Chavarria bids.
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Just £8m for Xhaka was put on the table, which Sunderland rejected. Reports today said Chelsea have made a £7.75m bid for Chavarria, not including add-ons, which Rayo Vallecano have also turned down.
Initial reports linking Chelsea with Lacroix suggested the Blues would be willing to pay £50m for the France World Cup star. Loose reports have also said Chelsea made a £46m bid. Now, a new update.
Palace set Lacroix asking price as Tottenham example used
Before Lacroix, Chelsea were strongly linked with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. But in the last few weeks, Tottenham completed the £52m signing of van Hecke, replacing him with Pascal Struijk.
According to The Mail, Palace are using van Hecke’s move to Tottenham as an example when setting his asking price. They want more than the figure Brighton received for the Netherlands international.
Palace are in a strong negotiating position. While Lacroix is keen on leaving the Conference League winners this summer, the Frenchman has three years left on his deal and Palace want ‘full whack’.
With Chelsea reportedly willing to go as high as £50m, spending an extra few million to exceed the £52m fee spent by Spurs on van Hecke is not the tallest order. Chelsea should meet Palace’s request anyway.
Especially, because Lacroix solves one of Chelsea’s biggest issues. Last season, the Blues conceded far too many goals from crosses. Lacroix was the Premier League’s third-best player in winning aerial duels.
Palace might want full price, but they are preparing for his exit
While Palace will only sell Lacroix if their asking price is met this summer, it is clear they are expecting him to move. That is due to reports that Palace want to sign former Leeds United star Charlie Cresswell.
What do you make of Chelsea’s interest in Maxence Lacroix?
Since leaving, Cresswell has starred in France with Toulouse. A two-time U21 European Championships winner with England, Cresswell has caught the eye with his ability in the air in both penalty areas.
With Palace keen to bring in a replacement and planning to sign a player like Cresswell, it is clear that the Eagles know there is a good chance Lacroix will leave with Chelsea the leading candidates for his signing.
All that appears to remain as an obstacle is whether Chelsea can reach his asking price. Given their low-ball offers for Xhaka and Chavarria, don’t be surprised to see Chelsea try to reduce Palace’s price tag.
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