Crystal Palace eye Brest defender Le Guen as Lacroix heads to Chelsea

Crystal Palace are eyeing Brest defender Raphael Le Guen after the 19‑year‑old’s 80 percent aerial‑duel success in Ligue 1, as they prepare for the imminent departure of Maxence Lacroix, who is close to a move to Chelsea. The Eagles hope the French centre‑back can fill the defensive void before the summer transfer window shuts.

Crystal Palace are weighing a move for the highly‑rated Brest defender Raphael Le Guen, according to the BBC. The Eagles are also preparing for the expected departure of Maxence Lacroix, who is close to a Chelsea‑bound transfer.

Le Guen, 19, made his senior debut for Brest in the 2025/26 season and quickly attracted scouts with composed displays. He featured six times in Ligue 1, winning 80 percent of his aerial duels and achieving a 54 percent success rate in ground challenges.

Brest gave the teenage centre‑back starts in each of their final four league matches, including demanding fixtures against Paris Saint‑Germain and Strasbourg. Those performances cemented his reputation as a promising French defender.

Palace have a track record of identifying and nurturing young French defenders. Last summer they signed Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse, and the 19‑year‑old established himself as a regular after Marc Guehi’s departure in January.

The club now hopes to repeat that success by signing Le Guen, viewing him as a key target to replace Lacroix. Palace believe his aerial prowess and defensive reliability suit their style.

Augsburg centre‑back Chrislain Matsima also remains on Palace’s shortlist. The 24‑year‑old former France youth international is understood to be open to a move to Selhurst Park, where he would reunite with compatriot Pierre Sage.

Palace need to act swiftly this summer to bolster the squad for Sage after frustrating former boss Oliver Glasner with their sluggishness. The Eagles could use reinforcement from back to front as they prepare to compete in the Europa League following their Conference League win.