Chelsea have identified Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as a key summer target as incoming manager Xabi Alonso looks to strengthen at centre-back.
The 26-year-old impressed significantly throughout the 2025/26 campaign and is heavily linked with a departure from Selhurst Park this transfer window.
Chelsea were reported as one of several clubs interested in Lacroix earlier this month, though he remains one of multiple options being considered in central defence.
Palace lost a significant defensive presence when club captain Marc Guehi departed for Manchester City in the January transfer window, leaving a notable gap in their backline.
Despite having time remaining in the window after Guehi left, Palace chose not to sign a replacement, though they did make an enquiry for Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong.
Chelsea rejected that loan approach swiftly, and Palace stuck with their existing defensive options for the remainder of the season with considerable success.
Manager Oliver Glasner signed off his time in south London with a Conference League trophy, adding to the FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs secured the previous year.
Lacroix stepped into a leadership role within Palace’s back-three system following Guehi’s departure, regularly partnering Jaydee Canvot and Chris Richards at the heart of defence.
Chelsea currently have eight centre-backs who have played senior minutes for the club, though that number is expected to reduce significantly over the coming months.
Trevoh Chalobah is one player who could depart, with Chelsea not considering the Cobham graduate untouchable and willing to sell him for the right price this summer.
Cesc Fabregas’ Como side have expressed strong interest in Chalobah, and multiple Champions League clubs have also registered their intentions to sign the 26-year-old defender.
Palace have maintained long-term interest in Chalobah, who spent the first half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Selhurst Park before being recalled due to injuries at Chelsea.
Chalobah quickly became a fan favourite during his time at Palace, playing in a back three alongside Lacroix and Guehi, and would be welcomed back warmly by supporters there.
Any decision over Chalobah’s future will not be rushed, with the defender currently involved with England at the ongoing World Cup.
If Chelsea open negotiations with Palace over a deal for Lacroix, the Eagles may well use that opportunity to push their interest in Chalobah as a potential makeweight or separate transfer.
Acheampong, however, remains firmly off the table, with sources close to Chelsea confirming the 20-year-old is considered untouchable by the west Londoners this summer despite Palace’s continued interest.
