Chelsea are closing in on a major defensive reinforcement, with Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix now just “one step away” from completing a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea on the verge of £55m+ Maxence Lacroix signing
The transfer, expected to exceed £55m, represents a significant outlay as the Blues continue to reshape their squad under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Thursday that the deal has entered its final stages.
“Agreement done with the player, personal terms fully agreed. Lacroix is more than happy and excited to become a new Chelsea player,” Romano stated on his YouTube channel.
The France international has already put pen to paper on personal terms, leaving only the club-to-club agreement to be finalised.
Club ownership has taken a direct role in negotiations, with a key meeting taking place in New York before the World Cup final.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish is reportedly handling the discussions personally, and Romano suggested the deal could be announced “at any moment”.
The 26-year-old defender joined Palace from Wolfsburg in August 2024 for a deal worth up to £18m and has since made 98 appearances for the Eagles.
His emergence as one of Chelsea’s key targets reflects the club’s strategic shift this summer towards signing proven Premier League players who can make an immediate impact.
This follows the £117m arrival of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
There had been speculation that Axel Disasi could move to Selhurst Park as part of the deal, with Chelsea offering Palace the chance to sign several players including the French defender.
However, Romano insists Disasi is not keen on the move and will not form part of the agreement.
Serie A giants Roma and AC Milan have both enquired about Disasi, with Chelsea reportedly seeking £25m plus add-ons for his signature.
For Chelsea, securing Lacroix would add crucial depth to their defensive ranks as Alonso prepares to deploy a back three system at various points during his tenure.
The Blues have moved swiftly to address their defensive needs, and with personal terms already settled, the completion of this deal now appears a formality.
