Chelsea to launch player-plus-cash bid for Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea are preparing a player-plus-cash bid for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix after the France international reportedly said yes to joining Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge. The Blues hope to include Trevoh Chalobah in any deal to offset a fee L'Equipe put at €55m (£47m), though Chalobah's preference for Inter Milan could block the swap.
Key Takeaways
- Maxence Lacroix has emerged as Chelsea's No. 1 defensive target and is said to have agreed to a move under Xabi Alonso.
- Chelsea want a player-plus-cash structure featuring Trevoh Chalobah to reduce Palace's asking price, potentially by up to £30m.
- Palace value Lacroix at about £60m after his World Cup call-up, while Chelsea feel that figure is too high.
- Chalobah prefers Inter Milan over returning to Selhurst Park, complicating Chelsea's part-exchange plan.
- Chelsea are also tracking Como's Jacobo Ramon as a younger, complementary centre-back option.
Why is Chelsea targeting Maxence Lacroix?
Central defence is a priority for Xabi Alonso and BlueCo this summer. Chelsea conceded 52 Premier League goals last season and finished 10th, leaving Alonso needing experience and quality at the back.
According to Crypto Briefing, Lacroix sits above Como defender Jacobo Ramon in Chelsea's pecking order. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the club has already initiated contact over a deal.
The 26-year-old joined Palace from Wolfsburg in August 2024 and helped the Eagles win the FA Cup. He is currently with France at the 2026 World Cup, preparing for a semi-final against Spain.
How much would Maxence Lacroix cost Chelsea?
French newspaper L'Equipe reported that Lacroix could cost €55m, roughly £47m. That aligns with reports that Chelsea are set to pursue the Palace standout in a deal worth around that figure.
However, The Pride of London notes Palace have placed a £60m price tag on Lacroix following his World Cup inclusion — a valuation Chelsea believe is excessive.
Including Chalobah in a part-exchange could lower the cash outlay significantly. Reports suggest the structure might reduce Chelsea's outlay by as much as £30m, making the swap financially attractive for the west London club.
Could Trevoh Chalobah stop the deal?
Chalobah is the key obstacle. Chelsea would be open to offering him to Palace, but the 27-year-old has little desire to return to Selhurst Park despite a successful six-month loan in 2024-25.
Como initially wanted Chalobah, but after re-signing Nico Paz they have stepped back. Inter Milan now lead the race, and Chalobah is believed to favour a Serie A move over a Premier League return.
New Palace boss Pierre Sage would reportedly prefer Toulouse's Charlie Cresswell as Lacroix's replacement rather than taking Chalobah back. If Chelsea cannot convince Chalobah to join Palace, they may need to meet the full asking price or pivot to other targets such as Ramon.
What happens next in Chelsea's transfer window?
No agreement between Chelsea and Palace has been confirmed yet. Lacroix's World Cup commitments and the Chalobah situation mean talks may only accelerate once France's tournament run ends.
Chelsea are pursuing at least one and possibly two centre-backs before the 2026-27 season. While Lacroix remains the ready-made option, Ramon offers a cheaper developmental profile under Cesc Fabregas at Como.
For more on high-profile football moves, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage as this summer window develops.