Palace line up Disasi as safety net if Lacroix departs

At Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace have entered negotiations with Chelsea for French centre‑back Axel Disasi, a £25 million plus add‑ons target, as they brace for the possible exit of Maxence Lacroix, which would leave a defensive gap at the club’s home ground.

Chelsea’s intensified pursuit of Maxence Lacroix has forced Palace to speed up their defensive recruitment, with Axel Disasi emerging as the leading centre‑back option. The French defender’s profile aligns with Palace’s immediate need to replace Lacroix should the transfer materialise.

Disasi’s experience and physicality are seen as ideal for Palace’s preferred back‑three or hybrid defensive system. His positional adaptability would allow the club to shift formations without losing stability.

According to Standard, Palace are exploring a Transfer structure that could start as a loan, while Chelsea favour a permanent sale. Both clubs are weighing the financial and squad implications of each arrangement.

Chelsea aim to trim squad numbers and maintain financial control, viewing Disasi as movable under the right circumstances. The desire to reduce the roster dovetails with the potential sale of the defender.

The £25 million valuation plus add‑ons places Disasi in a serious market bracket, according to reports. Palace appear to be weighing several routes before committing to the transfer.

The next steps hinge on whether Disasi can be convinced that a move across London offers the right platform, and on how quickly Chelsea accelerate their pursuit of Lacroix, keeping the two negotiations intertwined. Both clubs remain engaged as discussions progress.