Chelsea are making significant progress in negotiations with Crystal Palace over a deal to sign France international Maxence Lacroix this summer.
The Blues have maintained an interest in the 26-year-old centre-back throughout the transfer window, but talks with the Eagles had proved frustrating until recently.
Sources indicate that Chelsea are now optimistic a deal can be reached to bring Lacroix to Stamford Bridge before the September transfer deadline.
Crystal Palace are seeking a fee in the region of £60million for the defender, who is understood to be open to leaving Selhurst Park this summer.
Chelsea are working to find middle ground with their fellow London club, while Como’s Jacobo Ramon also remains on the Blues’ list of central defensive targets.
Trevoh Chalobah is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with negotiations between Chelsea and Como ongoing over a potential deal for the England international.
Several other defenders also face uncertain futures at the club, with Axel Disasi attracting strong interest from Premier League and overseas clubs, and Benoit Badiashile having been transfer listed.
Mamadou Sarr is likely to depart on loan before the summer window closes, further opening the door for additional defensive recruitment.
Former Manchester City defender John Stones, who left the Etihad last month at the age of 32, has been offered to Chelsea in recent days, with the Blues holding a genuine interest.
Chelsea confirmed their record £117million signing of Morgan Rogers last night, with the 23-year-old England international surpassing the previous club record set by the £115million acquisition of Moises Caicedo nearly three years ago.
Aston Villa hold an interest in Nicolas Jackson, whose name was raised during negotiations surrounding the Rogers deal, though Chelsea plan to give the striker a chance to impress new manager Xabi Alonso during pre-season.
Alejandro Garnacho is also attracting attention from Aston Villa, with the Villans progressing on a loan deal that includes a conditional obligation to buy the Chelsea winger.
Garnacho is said to be open to joining Villa Park and working under head coach Unai Emery as part of what would be a significant reshape of Chelsea’s attacking options.
Chelsea’s recruitment strategy has shifted considerably this window, moving away from a youth-only approach toward signing more experienced, ready-made players alongside young talent.
The Blues’ failed bid for Granit Xhaka earlier this summer stood as the clearest public signal of that changed philosophy under Alonso’s direction.
Chelsea also hold an interest in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, though the Cherries remain insistent that the England international will not be sold this summer under any circumstances.
