Chelsea are pushing forward with a double Premier League raid, closing in on Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix just hours after securing a club-record deal for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Chelsea can pair Lacroix with Rogers after agreeing £117m Villa star move
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Blues have tabled a £52m offer for the French centre-back and are now nearing an agreement with Palace.
Talks have advanced significantly, though the two clubs are still finalising the structure of the deal.
Chelsea are exploring the possibility of sending a player in the opposite direction to reduce the monetary outlay.
Lacroix enjoyed a stellar 2025-26 campaign for Palace, making 52 appearances across all competitions as Oliver Glasner’s side won a European trophy for the first time in their history.
The 26-year-old featured in 35 Premier League matches the second-highest total of any outfield player in the squad.
His consistency drew high praise from Glasner, who said: “He plays incredible, so consistent. The level he is showing is really high and we can rely on him.”
The defender then represented France at the World Cup, making three appearances as Les Bleus finished fourth following a 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place play-off.
Palace signed Lacroix for just £18m but are now demanding a fee in the region of £55m, with Chelsea’s offer falling just short of that valuation.
The Lacroix pursuit comes on the back of Chelsea’s blockbuster move for Morgan Rogers.
David Ornstein revealed that the Blues have agreed a £117m deal for the Aston Villa star, hijacking London rivals Arsenal in the process.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder contributed 10 goals and seven assists for Unai Emery’s side last season, playing a pivotal role in securing Champions League qualification.
Rogers is expected to sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with an option for a further year.
For new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, securing Lacroix would represent another significant statement of intent.
The French defender’s arrival alongside Rogers would strengthen both ends of the pitch, giving Alonso a reliable defensive presence and a dynamic attacking outlet as the Blues look to challenge on all fronts next season.
With the Rogers deal all but over the line, Chelsea’s attention has now turned fully to finalising the Lacroix transfer, and the signs suggest a breakthrough could be imminent.
