Crystal Palace eye Chrislain Matsima amid Lacroix exit fear
Crystal Palace are monitoring Augsburg centre-back Chrislain Matsima as insurance against a possible Maxence Lacroix exit, with Chelsea yet to submit a formal bid for the France international. The London Evening Standard reports no club-to-club negotiations have opened, but Matsima sits on a growing shortlist as Pierre Sage reshapes his defence.
The interest arrives at a pivotal moment for Crystal Palace. New manager Pierre Sage has already made Oscar Mingueza his first signing, but the centre-back picture remains unsettled after Marc Guehi's January departure and growing Chelsea interest in Lacroix.
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Key Takeaways
- Crystal Palace hold an early interest in Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima, with no confirmed bid or club-to-club talks yet.
- Maxence Lacroix has drawn Chelsea attention, but the Blues have not submitted an offer and Palace want a sizeable fee with three years left on his deal.
- Matsima is one of several centre-back options, alongside names such as Charlie Cresswell, who now appears set for Rennes.
- Palace added versatile defender Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer as Pierre Sage's first summer signing.
- Read Crystal Palace reports Bayern Munich are also monitoring Matsima after a strong Bundesliga season.
Why are Crystal Palace targeting Chrislain Matsima?
According to the London Evening Standard, Crystal Palace have registered interest in the 24-year-old French centre-back. Standard Sport understands Matsima is one of a number of defensive options under consideration, though there have been no club-to-club talks.
Read Crystal Palace adds that the France Under-21 international impressed during a Bundesliga campaign noted for aerial strength, recovery pace and flexibility across a back four or right-sided role in a three-man defence. Matsima won around 74 per cent of his aerial duels last season, per the outlet's reporting.
He joined Augsburg permanently from Monaco in January 2025 after an initial loan spell and is under contract until 2030. GiveMeSport, relaying talkSPORT reporting, describes him as an exceptional performer who could slot into Sage's side for Premier League and Europa League duties.
Could Maxence Lacroix leave Selhurst Park this summer?
Lacroix remains the story driving Palace's contingency planning. The France international has attracted Chelsea interest throughout the window, but the Blues are yet to submit a bid, according to Standard Sport.
Palace are holding out for a sizeable fee, with Lacroix still having three years remaining on his contract. Read Crystal Palace argues the club should not sell before securing a replacement, warning that waiting until after a departure would weaken their negotiating position.
The same outlet notes Chelsea could intensify their pursuit now that Lacroix's World Cup campaign has ended. No formal agreement with Palace has been confirmed.
What else is shaping Palace's defensive rebuild?
Palace completed the signing of Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer last week, with the 27-year-old Spaniard penning a four-year deal to become Sage's first arrival. It is expected to be a big summer at Selhurst Park as the new head coach builds a squad for a maiden Europa League campaign.
Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell was another name linked with the Eagles, but Standard Sport reports the 23-year-old now seems set for a move to Rennes. Read Crystal Palace adds that Arthur Theate has also been considered as the shortlist stays open.
Standard Sport also understands Palace will not sign Evann Guessand on a permanent deal after their option to buy the on-loan Ivorian international expired. Matsima's emergence suggests recruitment chiefs are mapping alternatives rather than waiting on one target.
How close is a Matsima deal?
Not close yet. Read Crystal Palace stresses there has been no confirmed Palace bid or direct negotiation with Augsburg, describing the link as an early expression of interest.
Competition could complicate any move. The outlet reports Bayern Munich are also monitoring Matsima, which may inflate any fee. Augsburg are under no obvious pressure to sell a player tied down until 2030.
Matsima made one appearance for Thierry Henry's France side in the Paris 2024 Olympic final, in a squad that included current Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Standard Sport notes he suffered a tendon tear last season that kept him out for four months, though he was integral to Augsburg's defence beforehand.