Report Chelsea move closer to Maxence Lacroix as Palace demand £55m

Report Chelsea have opened formal discussions with Crystal Palace for defender Maxence Lacroix, with Palace demanding a minimum fee of £55 million. The 26‑year‑old French defender is firmly on Chelsea’s radar as recruitment continues at Stamford Bridge, where the club seeks to bolster its back line.

Palace are understood to value Lacroix at a minimum of £55 million, and owner Steve Parish is prepared to stand his ground, showing little surprise at his firm stance.

The recent £52 million transfer of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton to Tottenham has helped shape the market for Premier League centre‑backs, and Palace appear intent on using that figure as a reference point in negotiations.

Chelsea’s interest in Lacroix has been building for some time. The club is exploring creative solutions, including the possibility of adding fringe players to the deal.

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Lacroix, now 26, is believed to be open to the move and could help push talks forward if negotiations progress.

Lacroix spent the summer with France at the World Cup, appearing in the 4‑1 win over Norway, coming off the bench in the 2‑0 semi‑final loss to Spain, and starting the 6‑4 bronze‑medal defeat to England.

Since arriving from VfL Wolfsburg in 2024, Lacroix has made 98 appearances for Palace over two seasons and has collected the FA Cup, Conference League and Community Shield.

Chelsea’s transfer window has already seen Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha lined up early, Marco Palestra arrive from Atalanta for £47 million, and Morgan Rogers on course for a British record £117 million fee with a medical scheduled for Monday. Outgoings have included Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for around £52 million, Andrey Santos to Manchester United for £50 million and Tyrique George to Everton for a reported £24 million.

The pursuit of Lacroix signals that defensive reinforcement remains a priority for Chelsea as the club continues its squad churn, while Palace’s £55 million demand reflects a willingness to match recent market benchmarks and retain a player who has been integral to their recent successes.