Chelsea eye free‑agent Stones as £55m Lacroix price stalls plans

Chelsea have identified a clear defensive gap and are targeting England centre‑back John Stones, now a free agent after his Manchester City contract expired, while Crystal Palace’s £55 million price tag for Maxence Lacroix looms over the Blues’ summer plans this summer.

The West London club have added the 32‑year‑old England centre‑back to their summer target list, matching Arsenal’s interest in the defender. The Athletic the Blues’ have formally included John Stones on their list of summer targets.

Chelsea see the free‑agent as a ready‑made solution for their defensive needs, aligning with their stated desire to add more ready‑made players to the squad. The Blues remain receptive to offers for Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah as part of a broader defensive overhaul for next season.

Chelsea have made an official enquiry for Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix; Palace want £55 million to sanction a sale, while reports suggest Chelsea’s valuation is below that figure. Xabi Alonso’s side could bring in two centre‑backs this summer depending on exits, with any arrivals complementing potential moves for Disasi, Chalobah or Lacroix.

Arsenal are also in the market for a new defender after William Saliba’s serious injury at the World Cup, which could sideline the 25‑year‑old for four to five months, prompting the Gunners to link heavily with Stones as a stop‑gap. Stones is available to sign on a free transfer after his Manchester City contract expired last month.

He left City after 295 appearances, having helped the club win six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League trophy. Both clubs now face the £55 million Lacroix hurdle and the timing of Stones’ free‑agent move as they shape their defensive strategies for the coming season.