Report Arsenal eye World Cup defender as Chelsea close in

Report: Arsenal’s defensive cover has been exposed after centre‑back William Saliba fractured his back at the World Cup and is expected to miss action until around the New Year, breaking his partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes, while Chelsea move close to signing Crystal Palace’s World Cup star Maxence Lacroix.

The fracture means Saliba will be unavailable for the first half of the season, with medical staff estimating a return around the New Year. His absence severs the defensive pairing he formed with Gabriel Magalhaes, leaving Arsenal with a clear gap at centre‑back.

Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with Maxence Lacroix and negotiations have reached a crucial point, making the Stamford Bridge club the most advanced suitor. TeamTalk reports the club is pushing forward to finalise the deal.

Arsenal are monitoring the situation and have stepped up their interest in a new centre‑back following Saliba’s injury. Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are also reported to be circling the French defender.

Crystal Palace have placed Lacroix’s valuation at €65‑70 million (approximately £55.3‑59.5 million) after earlier lower expectations, reflecting the heightened demand for the World Cup‑exposed defender.

The club believes it holds a strong negotiating position and is using wider market activity to its advantage, citing Jan Paul van Hecke’s £52 million move from Brighton to Tottenham as a benchmark.

Lacroix was the player who replaced Saliba for France when the latter left the World Cup semi‑final injured, offering Arsenal a natural deputy with Premier League experience and a physical profile suited to Mikel Arteta’s defence.

If Arsenal act quickly they could convert monitoring into a proper attempt and secure Lacroix; otherwise Chelsea’s advanced stance and agreed terms suggest the deal may be completed elsewhere, leaving Arsenal to explore alternative options.