Chelsea expected to begin talks with Premier League rivals over World Cup star

Chelsea are expected to commence talks with Crystal Palace over the signing of Maxence Lacroix, talkSPORT understands.

The centre-back is high up in their thinking this summer and could arrive as the first signing under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea have set their sights on a move for LacroixAFP

Lacroix is currently at the World Cup with France, although he did not play against either Senegal or Iraq in Group I.

Palace need to make sales this summer, and Chelsea could be the club who take the 26-year-old off their hands.

Since his reported £18million transfer from German side VfL Wolfsburg in August 2024, Lacroix has featured 98 times for Palace in all competitions.

The defender has won the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League, and was named in the latter’s 2025/26 Team of the Season.

Palace would like to keep Lacroix, however, with Chelsea wanting to sign a starting centre-back who brings height and physicality to the team.

Another target for Chelsea is Jacobo Ramon, the 21-year-old Como star who was also on their radar during the January transfer window.

Como do not want to sell, and Chelsea are more likely to add Premier League experience to their defence.

A new centre-back partner is being eyed for Levi Colwill, who missed the majority of last season whilst recovering from an ACL injury.

Plenty to choose from

A new centre-back looks set to be a priority this summer, but Chelsea already have numerous players in the role on their books.

Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Colwill, Mamadou Sarr, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana all played for the Blues last season.

Palace do not want to let Lacroix go, but need sales this summerGetty

Jorrel Hato, Reece James and Josh Acheampong also featured at the centre of defence, although they mostly played as full-backs.

Axel Disasi spent the second half of the season on loan at West Ham and impressed despite their relegation.

Aaron Anselmino moved to Borussia Dortmund on a loan deal before heading to Chelsea’s sister club RC Strasbourg in February.

In terms of outgoings, Marc Cucurella has already been announced as a new Real Madrid signing in a £52m move.

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez could follow the Spanish left-back this summer, with Chelsea demanding £120m.

Chelsea want his future resolved quickly to give Alonso stability before his first season in the Stamford Bridge home dugout.